The weather was gorgeous and so were the entertainers at the Oak Tree Retirement Village high tea on Sunday, October 19.
Held to raise funds for Dubbo’s own Dementia Sing Out Choir, who also performed, the high tea event was sold out. Choir coordinator Anne Gemmell got into the spirit of the event, which rounded out a weekend of wonderful cultural activity in Dubbo. See our photos on page 28.
By DAVID DIXON
AUSSIE men like a free feed as much as anyone and, as Tradies In Sight founder and director, Bruno Efoti understands, this is also a great way to get them to open-up about themselves and the issues that they face.
That is the principle behind the locally-run counselling group’s next Dubbo Cares event at the Rotunda in Victoria Park, on next Wednesday, October 29.
With the assistance and help from a score of mental health support groups, he’s hoping the brekkie and lunch event, can be the biggest and the best they’ve ever held.
“Dubbo Cares is about highlighting the local support and mental health services we have around town,” Bruno explained.
“It starts with a barbecue at 7am, which goes through to about 10, and then we start the lunch barbecue which goes to about 2pm,” he added.
From a more-supportive Pacific Islander background and with decades as a tradie in the local industry himself, Bruno knows better than most, the reluctance that many Australian working blokes have in broaching issues to do with their well-being and emotional state.
The free feed, he explains, there-
fore provides a convenient avenue to open such topics in those for whom their feelings are often hidden.
“We normally engage with mental health services and get together with them to provide information at this event.
“People then come along, have something to eat, and we start a conversation,” Bruno explained.
The events have proven hugelypopular in the region, and Bruno is hoping that this one can top the lot, with a caffeine incentive also for this next showing!
“This is our fifth one, over the last two years, we’ve had 500-600 people, and we’re hoping for more this time, we’re certainly looking to get back up there.
“A coupla coffee shops down the street have also come on board with some vouchers we’ll be handing out, so you can get a drink, and something to eat.”
Another beloved not-for-profit is also “flying in” to don the aprons and assisting with getting the grub underway.
“There’ll be both sausage and steak sandwiches as well, and it’s all free,” Bruno said.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will also be helping with the barbecuing, and we’ll be there from seven, so come on down,” he concluded.
By DAVID DIXON
CLASSICAL ballet, but not as you know it; the search starts for Dubbo’s revived position of general manager; residents being offered a free flight if they contribute to future plans for Dubbo Airport; and the Victor Chang School Science Awards is heading west; are among the latest news from local government in the Orana region.
Comic “Duck Pond” take on Swan Lake
FEATHERS – Council’s media release promises – will (figuratively) fly in an: “exuberant take” on the classic ballet, Swan Lake at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) in November.
From the comic performance group, Circa, “Duck Pond” is a circus-inspired reimagining of Swan Lake. The show “takes ballet’s most-beloved classic and flips it on its head…Duck Pond is a highoctane fusion of beauty, comedy, and jaw-dropping skill.”
Featuring 10 performers and a blend of acrobatics, contemporary dance, and aerial artistry, the production is “full of Circa’s physicality blended with some cheeky humour and contemporary energy”.
“The acrobatics in Duck Pond are just amazing and we really look forward to bringing this show to our audience,” DRTCC Performing Arts and Venue Coordinator Tiffany Rowland said.
“It’s such a large complex show and our team have worked closely with the producer and their staff to ensure the show was suitable for our theatre,” she added.
Tickets are now on sale for the Saturday, November 1 show.
Recruitment underway for new-old of general manager position
MANY locals would remember Dubbo’s first and only general manager, Tony Kelly, who held the position from 1994 until his retirement in late 2004.
With the position later recreated as that of CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Council has gone back to the past, under a requirement to the Local Government Act, to now seek a new General Manag-
er to replace leaving CEO, Murray Wood.
Wood will soon head to the sunny north coast to lead the administration of Coffs Harbour Council, finishing up here in late November.
The recruitment panel for the new position will consist of Mayor Josh Black; councillors Kate Richardson, Pam Wells, and Matt Wright; and an “external independent”.
The Mayor told locals that the recruitment process would ensure shortlisted candidates are of the highest calibre.
“It’s a really exciting time for our community and we are looking for a person who is able lead our staff into the future,” Cr Black enthused.
“As a council we represent a wide area with our strength in the diversity of our people, our culture and our aspirations,” he added.
Cr Black confirmed that the decision to revert to the position of General Manager rather than CEO
was made by councillors to align the role to the Local Government Act 1993.
“We are seeking someone who can build on the strong processes already in place,” His Worship said.
“Someone who can provide a strategic clear direction and work in partnership with our many stakeholders, ensuring our organisation continues to perform at its best,” Cr Black concluded.
Applications for the General Manager position will close on Monday, November 3 with the position expected to be determined by the end of the year.
DUBBO Regional Airport (DRA) is inviting the community to provide feedback into airport operations in its biennial community survey, with a prize for one lucky local.
The feedback gathered in the survey, Council’s media release states, “will be used to optimise the passenger experience at the
airport, and ensure the services and facilities offered continue to meet the needs of the Dubbo Region community and visitors”.
Ratepayers and residents who complete the survey, will also go into the draw to win a $500 flight voucher. “If you’ve recently used the airport, we’d love to hear from you,” Mayor Josh Black said.
“Your feedback is important to us, and with the chance to win a Flight Centre gift card, there’s no reason not to have your say,” he added.
For those who think that airports are simply places that planes land and take off from, DRA Manager Matthew Linsley-Noakes said that, no, they need to “constantly evolve to meet the changing transit needs of residents and visitors”.
“Checking in with the community every two years allows us to gather critical passenger insights into our operations at the airport,” Linsley-Noakes said in an apparent unintended pun.
“These insights allow us to continue delivering service excel-
lence, and pinpoint areas for further optimisation to make your journey even better,” he added.
The survey closes in mid-December with the data collected to remain anonymous.
Victor Chang School Science Awards go west ONE of our State’s most beloved surgeons – before his untimely death in 1991 – Victor Chang is commemorated locally with the Victor Chang School Science Awards.
In good news for our western brethren, Council’s most recent Standing Committee meeting agreed to expand the program by inviting schools in both Narromine and Gilgandra Local Government Areas to participate in the program from 2026.
The statewide awards recognise outstanding Year 11 STEM scholars from local schools, and seek to celebrate exceptional student achievements in the field.
Your Local Servo Just Got a Major Upgrade! OPENING DAY: October 31st 195 Cobra St, Dubbo
Welcome to the all-newArkoFuelDubbo –nowfully renovated withbrand-new pumps, modern signage, upgradedbowsers, and a stunning new fit-out. We’ve added more fuel grades, a Barista Coffee Bar, a Fresh Vibe Juice Station, and a Dedicated Grab & Go Zone — giving you a better, faster, fresher way to refuel.
WHY ARKO FUEL DUBBO IS DIFFERENT
Fully renovated with brand-new fit-out, bowsers and signage
More fuel grades for smoother, more efficient fills Barista coffee, fresh juice and hot food all in one stop
Wholesome Grab & Go meals – fresh, fast, and local
Friendly team dedicated to service and community
Proudly locally owned and operated – serving Dubbo with pride
FUEL SPECIAL SURPRISE!
Join uson opening dayfor anexclusive in-store fuel offer youwon’t want to miss.
OPENING DAY SPECIAL: $1 BARISTA COFFEE – ALL DAY!
BARISTACOFFEE – MADE FRESH ALL DAY!
THE GRAND LAUNCH OF VIBE JUICE –NOW IN DUBBO!
GRAND OPENING OFFER: 30% OFF ALL VIBE JUICES – OPENING DAY!
“The whole team did an amazing job — especially the crew from Retail Core Projects — in bringing my vision to life. I’d also like to thank our landlord, John Walkom, for his ongoing support throughout this transformation. I wanted to create something the Dubbo community can be proud of, and thanks to everyone involved, we’ve done just that.” — Rajesh Arshanapalli, Owner –Arko Fuel Dubbo
There were mixed emotions at Dubbo College Senior Campus late last month as 283 Year 12 students, including a record 81 Aboriginal students, donned their academic gowns and accepted their portfolios at the graduation assembly on September 26.
Principal Glen Braithwaite and Macquarie University Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Bruce Dowton addressed the graduates, congratulating them on completing their schooling journey.
Principal Braithwaite described the day as one that marks the achievement of years of hard work, dedication and personal growth.
“As you walk across this stage and receive your portfolio today, you are closing a significant chapter of your life and yet, beginning an exciting new one,” he said.
“Within this cohort, we have countless shining examples of students already achieving incredible things and inspiring others along the way.”
The assembly also heard from Year 12 advisers Kate Damen and Rebecca Brown, incoming captains Gabriella Bromham and Jayden Murray, and outgoing captains Charley Elliot and Max McAneney.
Special awards were presented to Ra erty Kater, Ollie Druitt, Aanya Rai, Max McAneny, Jessica Johnson, Grace Benias, Bhoomi Sagar, Jessica Naidu, Hayden Vandermaal, Mannat Shadbolt, Matthew Knight, Azel Olsen, Selwyn Kelly, Kiara McKeown, Akuba Ackerson-Ennor, Koloarah Newman, Stephanie Seton, Bronte Cunningham and Monica Muirhead.
Professor Downton presented leaders and achievers awards to Maxwell Baker, Tazmaine Campbell, Jack Irvin, Delphi Rombout
Hewanth Sivakaran, Aanya Rai, Bhoomi Sagar and Monica Muirhead.
Overall outstanding academic excellence medals went to Maxwell Baker, Tully Pittock, Andie McTiernan, Harley Stewart, Matthew Chen, Jasper Wells-Riley, Charley Elliot, Bryce Hemsworth, Myles Baigent, Peace Chiwato, Liam Smith and Abbey Lawson.
The graduating class of 2025 was then treated to an entertaining video performed by college sta , with a unique take on what their future careers will look like.
Students started their HSC exams on Thursday, October 16, and DubboPhotoNews wishes all graduating students the best of luck for the future.
500ml water
1kg Ben Furney Flour Mill Fruit cake Mix
5 eggs (approx 70gm each)
100g of flaked almonds for garnish
1. Place mix, eggs & water in mixing bowl.
4. Bake at 160°C - 170°C for 2-3 hours.
5.
1kg of mixed fruits with cherries Serve with custard, ice cream or brandy butter.
2. Blend for 1 minute on low speed, scrape down. Blend on high for 3 minutes.
3. Add 1kg of mixed fruit then blend on high for 3 minutes.
By SHARON BONTHUYS
TALKING openly about our health with others can at times be uncomfortable, and this natural reticence is the motivation for a new campaign this October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
A new national campaign from tea brand Tetley in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) aims to change that reluctance - by transforming something as simple as a chat over a cup of tea into what could be a life changing conversation.
The “Uncomfortable Cup” campaign encourages Australians to have difficult but vital conversations about symptoms, screening, and support.
Tetley is raising funds for BCNA through the sale of limited-edition pink Tetley Tea Cup 100s, donating‚ five cents for every pack sold.
Dubbo Photo News caught up with two breast cancer survivors - Donna Falconer and Kaz Hamilton - who wholeheartedly support the campaign and the important messages behind it.
Ms Falconer, a former employee of this masthead and passionate breast cancer awareness advocate, credits an uncomfortable conversation with saving her life.
“Seventeen years ago, this year, a conversation saved my life because [it prompted me to] have a breast screen at 44,” the former Groovy Booby Bus founder and now Country Hope advocate said.
“[Someone in Sydney] asked me what breast screening was like in
Dubbo,” she elaborated.
“I answered, I don’t know. I’m too young. I don’t have family history and I don’t have time. On that day, I made a pledge to go and have a screen, which I did, and that year, I was diagnosed with stage three growing breast cancer.”
Ms Falconer encourages the community to move out of their comfort zone and arrange to have an “uncomfortable cuppa” with a friend or loved one.
“A lot of people go, ‘oh I don’t have risk factors’. We all have breasts, so we all have that risk factor,” she added.
“It’s making time for yourself, and it’s a 20-minute screen if you go through Breast Screen NSW. I call it an ‘easy squeezy’,” she said.
“Be a friend and ask a friend, have you had your screen?”
“Our mortality rates are getting better. They’re the best in the world. However, we still lose nine Australians on average every day
to breast cancer,” she said.
“So there’s still work to be done, and early detection is vital.”
Kaz Hamilton also faced her own mortality with her breast cancer diagnosis a decade ago, and now runs a successful business as an end-of-life doula and practitioner of meditation and reiki.
The 52-year-old is very used to having “uncomfortable conversations” with her family and clients but also through her volunteer work with Narromine’s death cafe, the Dead End Coffee Club.
“When I got sick, I was just on that treadmill of life - which we all are in society, in our busy lives and families - and getting breast cancer made me stop and slow down,” she said.
Ms Hamilton experienced a rare cancer - Paget’s Disease of the Areola - which began for her as a discoloured nipple. Despite raising concerns with two GPs, it took three years before she was formally diagnosed by a third doctor and began the whirlwind of treatment that has saved her life.
“I just view every day as a blessing that I’m still here,” she added. Her advice to other women is to get to know their own bodies and don’t be afraid to raise issues with doctors or seek second opinions.
“Listen to your body. And if that is a confusing thing to say, that’s all you have to do, listen to your body,” she said.
“If that means, like me, you happen to glance in the mirror, or you’re drawn to something that doesn’t feel right, don’t dismiss it,
don’t think ‘I’m too young to have breast cancer, or that no one in my family’s had any sort of cancer.’
“Do have your mammogram, and do whatever you feel is right medically, [in pursuing what services are] on offer where you live,” Ms Hamilton concluded.
Be a friend, tell a friend
With 42 per cent of women in the region overdue for their twoyearly breast cancer screening, the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is urging women aged 50-74 to book a free mammogram through screening programs like BreastScreen NSW.
Deon Adamson, Manager, Breastscreen NSW (Greater Western), said with more than 250 local women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, women need to put themselves first and book a screening.
“Early detection significantly increases a person’s chance of survival and can greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy,” Ms Adamson said.
A record 36,500 women booked their breast screen in October 2024, the health district revealed. This year, the “Be A Friend, Tell A Friend” promotion will encourage more conversations so more women across NSW book this potentially lifesaving appointment.
For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw. gov.au.
Relaxing and taking time out for ourselves is one of the hardest things to achieve in our modern helter-skelter world, but it’s exactly what Dusk in the Orana Mall aims to accomplish... albeit with a currently spooky ambience!
Dusk, which offers a range of home fragrance products including candles, ultrasonic diffusers, reed diffusers, essential oils, and fragrance-related homewares, has got into the Halloween spirit with a range of scary-themed styles, manager, Alex Parker explained.
The traditional Irish/American cultural event, he added, unknown in Australia until introduced via popular culture a few decades ago, shows no sign of slowing down, he added.
“Not at all, it remains one of our best sellers, one of our best times of year, actually,” Parker revealed. “We’ve got plenty of Halloween stock –homewares, candles, scented candles, diffusers, that sort of thing,”
Following the Friday, October 31, scary night of trick-or-treating is the return of a traditional favourite that
almost all Australians celebrate.
“Soon as Halloween’s over, we move straight onto our Christmas stock,” Alex said. “We’ll have lots of gift sets, gift packs and the like for this time of year.”
He revealed that, for 2025, Dusk will be retailing a kids yuletide favourite, but with a very grown-up feel.
“This year we’re introducing our beauty-based Advent calendar, they’ll retail for $130. Like all advent calendars, they come with 24 different items, with something new for each day.”
Manager of the store now for three years, Parker says that, as we enter the home straight, 2025 has been a solid trading season.
“Yeah, it’s been a good year, really,” Alex said. “It’s been pretty profitable, we’re glad about how it’s going,” he concluded.
To end 2025 looking after yourself for a change, why not head down to Dusk in the Orana Mall, open seven days a week.
TARONGA Western Plains Zoo (TWPZ) is such a great place for twitchers (avian watchers); it seems almost unfair for it to be included in BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count.
As avid fans gear up for this week-long event running until Sunday, October 26, there’s no better place than TWPZ, to whip out the old binoculars and start counting, Senior Conservation Keeper Mark O’Riordan said.
“Taronga Western Plains Zoo is not just a zoo – it’s a living sanctuary where wild birds thrive, one of inland Australia’s true birding gems, right here in the heart of the Central West,” O’Riordan enthused.
“The Dubbo region is where east meets west, right at the transition from slopes and hills to the wide, open plains,” he added.
Birdwatching at Taronga Western Plains Zoo is accessible, with rich bird life able to be seen around the Savannah Lake from the comfort of Cafe Wild, and even in many of the exhibits alongside the zoo’s critically-endangered species from around the world.
“With grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands all converging, the zoo offers one of the richest bird habitats in inland NSW. A true hotspot for rare birds, including species you wouldn’t normally see on the coast,” O’Riordan added.
Species ranging from Apostlebirds, Australian White Ibises, Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Galahs, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, and Superb Fairy-wrens are just some of the species that call the zoo home.
Eagle-eyed visitors could also
spot Azure Kingfishers from Cafe Wild, or kites and eagles soaring overhead. Visitors have the option to walk, ride a bike, hire an electric cart or drive their own car around the five-kilometre, sealed one-way circuit road.
For those more adventurous visitors, the centre of the zoo also features walking trails through woodlands home to robins and parrots
among other species.
Birdwatchers are encouraged to report their sightings to BirdLife Australia by registering for the Aussie Bird Count, or the global citizen science database eBird.
“Every sighting plays a role in monitoring populations, tracking migratory movements, and gauging the health of ecosystems,” Mark revealed.
“It also raises awareness of critically-endangered species such as the Plains-wanderer and Regent Honeyeater, both of which we are heavily-involved in through their recovery programs, while fostering a deeper connection between people and the wildlife around them.”
The pleasure in bird-watching provides many emotional and psychological benefits for adherents,
Mark explained.
“Bird-watching is mindfulness in nature. It slows you down and helps you notice the little things all around you,” Mark said.
“It’s fun for all ages and while binoculars can be handy, they’re definitely not essential – you never know what you’ll see above your head or right at your feet at Taronga Western Plains Zoo!” he concluded.
DON’T let the horrors of a late tax return haunt your 2025 Halloween, Australia’s leading accounting body says, reminding locals that do-it-yourself statements, must be in by Friday October 31.
CPA Australia says it’s time to banish procrastination and get your DIY tax affairs in order before the witching hour, or at least get on the books of a tax agent to secure an extension.
“Don’t let your tax return haunt you,” CPA Australia’s Tax Lead, Jenny Wong.
“We’re all busy and the deadline has crept up on us, but lodging your tax return on time is important. It’s your responsibility,” she added.
Hastily-prepared returns completed under deadline pressure are not the ideal way to handle such an important task, jenny believes.
“Leaving it until the last minute comes with the risk that you cut corners, get things wrong and don’t submit your return accurately.
You could receive a less favourable outcome, plus missing the deadline could summon a scary penalty from the ATO”, she explained.
Such a scenario also opens-up opportunities for unscrupulous scammers, Jenny argues.
“Rushing to lodge your tax return can also put you at greater risk of falling for scams as scammers target people with last-minute calls to action, or promises of substantial refunds.
So, if you haven’t already done it, set aside some time over the next week to compile your evidence and get your re-
turn in on time, or seek expert advice from a registered tax agent who can assist, especially if your finances are complicated”, she concluded.
Top tips to avoid fright-night tax returns
Copy and pasting is a “grave” mistake
IF lodging yourself through myGov, check the pre-filled information carefully and don’t simply copy-and-paste last year’s deductions.
“Consider whether your circumstances have changed in the past 12 months and ensure all your income has been declared accurately,” Jenny said.
“You may also find that your work expense claims will be different to what you previously submitted, especially if you’ve changed jobs.”
Avoid the “bite” of tax scams
“SCAMMERS are like vampires – they thrive in the shadows and feed on urgency; be wary of unsolicited SMS messages and emails claiming to be from the ATO, including those with hyperlinks and urgent calls to action, such as claiming you have a substantial refund to secure,” Jenny said.
“Also treat unsolicited phone calls with caution. If in doubt, hang up and call the ATO directly to check the validity of the call,” she added.
She also recommended taxpayers register for myID to increase their online security and help reduce the risk of identify fraud.
Your green-lid FOGO bin takes all your food scraps including bones, sh and dairy.
By placing food scraps and garden waste in your green-lid bin you are keeping it out of landll. It is also turned into a rich compost that can be used on parks, gardens and sporting elds.
Play your part in diverting waste from landll. Remember only food scraps, garden waste, and nothing else should go in your green-lid bin.
Scan the QR code to nd out more about domestic waste.
By DAVID DIXON
WHEN first entering the workforce, getting a job, any job, is often the hardest thing about starting your career.
Helping smooth the way for young locals in this testing task, is the aim of a new initiative running in Dubbo as part of the PCYC NSW’s youth program, Fit for Work.
In collaboration with NSW Police and industry leaders like TAFE, headspace and local employers, Dubbo PCYC is one of a number throughout the state providing a 10-week intensive training course that equips participants aged from 16–18 with essential employability and life skills, including career planning, resume building, and certifications such as First Aid and White Card.
In the year to date, Fit for Work has been run in 10 PCYC Clubs across NSW, with more than 120 participants and 850 attendances.
Central West local, 17-year-old Jordan Smith, says Fit for Work has given him confidence and a “White Card” that he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to complete.
“Fit for Work helped me map out what I want to do in life,” Jordan said. “The program had a lot of fun involved with it with career workshops and activities,” he added.
Jordan’s brother, Joshua also start-
ed participating in PCYC’s Fit for Life program at just 10 years old and now, at 18, he’s employed by PCYC and running Fit for Work and was recently engaged in the program as a career mentor.
“It’s so rewarding to see the transformation from when the participants first come into the program with no idea where they want to go, what they want to do,” Joshua said. “To then coming out of the program with a new sense of direction and a passion, and in many cases secured employment…
PCYC sparked my passion for helping others,” he added.
During Fit for Work, PCYC provides participants with business casual clothing for job interviews. After 10 weeks of dedication, the young people get dressed up for a graduation event to celebrate their achievements.
“It was a very special moment, being on stage surrounded by friends and family, and accepting my certificate,” Jordan said.
“This program has really helped us turn into mature young adults, preparing us with the real-life skills we need for what our future holds.”
Fit for Work provides participants with the opportunity to gain employment or enhance their employment capabilities, fostering a strong sense of achievement, pride, and community contribution.
By DAVID DIXON
INDEPENDENCE celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently might seem a long way away from the NSW central west, but as local historian Patrick Bourke has pointed out, many Dubbo-raised locals had strong links to what is now PNG.
The new country eventually gained independence on September 16, 1975, after having been an Australian-governed League of Nations mandate following Germany’s defeat in 1918.
As well as the many locals who fought, and sometimes died, against the invading Imperial Japanese during World War II, a number had also served as public servants, teachers, district officers, and patrol officers. These field officers were often known as “Kiaps” a PNG creole word from the pidgin Tok Pisin language, derived from the German title for “Kapitän” (Captain).
A permanent memorial to Australian Kiap patrol officers who died on duty in PNG is to soon be established in the Senate Gardens at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
Former Dubbo High School students with links to PNG include: y Gregory Benham DCS (a Coastwatcher) and Robert (Bob) Cole
OBE MC were both patrol officers (kiaps) in PNG prior to, and during, World War II. Captured and executed on September 1, 1942, Benham posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). Bob Cole earned his Military Cross (MC) for going behind Japanese enemy lines to gather military intelligence and later received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the PNG Police Force.
y Joan Flint (nee Christie) OAM went to New Guinea in charge of the first draft of the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS) in December 1943. Later appointed Assistant Controller, Southwest Pacific Area, she was responsible for more than 400 female staff in the Pacific. After the War, Flint played a significant role in the development of tertiary education in Dubbo and later received the the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
y Thelma Moxham, Royal Red Cross (First Class), RAAF, was in charge of No. 2 Medical Clearing Station, Madang, between July 1943 and December 1944.
y Owen Williams died in action at Aitape on July 3, 1945, and received the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his military service during WWII. Owen Williams was also Mentioned in Despatches (MiD).
risk
your
y Frederick Childs received the MC for service during WWII.
y Athol Burge and his best mate from Dubbo High, Clarence Stroud, were killed in action on Bougainville, on April 5, 1945.
y Thomas Jones died in action at Buna, on December 24, 1942.
y Reginald Lance died from illness on December 26, 1945.
y Reginald Leggatt succumbed to war wounds received during the battle at Buna on December 25, 1942.
y • John McCullough died in action on Bougainville, on April 28, 1945.
y Keith Phillips died in action on January 1, 1943, near Buna.
y • Frederick Sadler died as a POW and Methodist missionary Rev John Poole died along with more than 1000 other Australians on the “MS Montevideo Maru” on July 1, 1942, which was sunk by an American submarine on July 1, 1942.
y William McLeod died in a flying battle on April 11, 1945.
y Edgar Ford, first school captain after Dubbo High’s establishment in 1917 and later a distinguished geography teacher and author of school textbooks, taught at the Australian School of Pacific Administration (ASOPA), Sydney, during the 1960s, and trained PNG government administrators and teachers.
to
y James Sinclair OBE and David Eastburn attended ASOPA after WWII and worked in PNG. Eastburn was a high school teacher in the 1970s and Sinclair was a patrol officer (Kiap) and district administrator. Sinclair received the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to PNG and to literature, and in 2008, received the
CSM (Companion of the Order of the Star of Melanesia) for contributions to the understanding of PNG, its history, culture and heritage, and to district administration leading up to independence.
y Glyn Evans, exploration geophysicist, travelled to PNG from his base in Sydney during 1976 to oversee surveys.
going a few K’s over. No matter how quiet it is, or how many times you’ve driven the road, every kilometre over the speed limit increases the risk of a serious crash. Isn’t it time we got serious about casual speeding?
By DAVID DIXON
HUNDREDS of bikers made the leisurely jaunt from central west towns including Dubbo, Wellington, Bathurst, Cowra, Orange, and Mudgee to Cumnock last weekend to tackle men’s mental health and the epidemic that afflicts many older gents in our community.
As well as a free barbecue lunch, the Ride Blue mental health and suicide awareness event on Saturday, October 18, also featured wellbeing checks and information stands from groups including suicide family support group, Standby; Mensline Australia; the Suicide Call Back Service; the Life Pharmacy Group; and Lifeline.
As well as awareness and support, these rides also act as a fundraiser for important work in the mental health community, Lifeline Central West CEO, Steph Robinson explained.
“I think events like this are incredibly important for a number of reasons, it’s about being able to have conversations around suicide and mental health, and other wellbeing issues,” Steph said.
“It is also about raising money to contribute to Lifeline Crisis Support, by funding scholarships to train our online counsellors, who all have to be accredited,” she added.
The Blue Ride was the ninth Blue Moto event organised by CEO Steve Doherty, who said that knowing the full range of services available is central to older men getting the support they need.
“It’s important for me because Blue Moto is a way of creating friendships among older bikers; we’re a motorcycle club focussing on mental health,” Steve said.
“Also, to have men be aware that there are other mental health facilities you can turn to other than your doctor,” he added.
The club, he added, runs fortnightly men’s get-togethers and “Community Wellness Walks” for both men and women.
Motorcyclist Allen Simmons from Cowra, said the ride had very personnel associations for himself due to his older demographic.
“This is my first one, and I’m supporting ‘Blue Suicide’ rescue (the Blue Tree Project), because nine people commit suicide every day in Australia,” Allen said.
“It’s also quite prevalent in people my age, as I’m over 70,” he added.
Mark Simmons from the Central West Riders group, rode from Dubbo for the event, along with his buddy, Mark Wotton from Mumble.
“It’s about getting the word out there, as well as raising money, it’s a combined fundraiser and awareness event,” the Wellington local said.
“It’s about highlighting mental health and getting the word out,” Mumble Mark concluded.
Thumbs Up and a special thank you to the people who witnessed the vehicle that hit the side of my car and left their registration number under my windscreen on September 17.
Thumbs Up and congratulations to South Dubbo Primary School for a wonderful time had by all who attended the K-2 Sports Day. A beautiful sunny day also, and such fun activities.
Thumbs Up and a big thanks to Michael, Julie, Ann-Marie and Rodney for moving seats at the Human Nature performance at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre on Wednesday, October 15, so friends could sit together.
Thumbs Up to Dubbo resident Sandra who generously helped a number of other Dubbo residents find their accommodation in Broken Hill after the railway bus arrived late in the evening.
Thumbs Up to Cameron Porter, plumber extraordinaire. After all these years my verandah roof is leak-proof. Thank you sincerely, I still can’t believe it.
Thumbs Up to Marlee and sta at Dahab Cafe. We are so lucky to have excellent cafes like this in Dubbo.
If you’d like to send in a Thumbs Up story or photos to our In Focus page, email photos@dubbophotonews.com.au.
Please include a caption with each photo letting us know the names of people pictured. We also prefer the original-sized high-resolution versions of contributed photos. They always look much better in our paper.
THIS year’s prestigious Sculptures in the Garden (SIG) competition, now in its 15th year, received the highest number of entries in its history, reflecting the strength of Australia’s contemporary sculpture scene and the growing national profile of the Mudgee event.
The beloved regional event at Rosby Wines has again brought together artists and audiences from across the country to celebrate everything artistic. Central West artists featured prominently in the list of prize winners.
The distinguished top prize – the $30,000 SIG and Mid-Western Regional Council prize –awarded for the most outstanding large-scale work, went to Vlasé Nikoleski from Charlestown, NSW, for their work ‘Inland Jetty’.
This piece is made of marine-grade stainless steel, reinforced concrete.
The new $2,000 Mudgee Regional Tourism Small Sculpture Prize went to Nigel White from Mudgee, for ‘Ponytail’.
The $10,000 Friends of SIG Prize was awarded to Rhonda Castle, Wyong, for ‘Lania’.
The $10,000 Fernside Pastoral Company Prize was awarded to Alex Scheibner, Rylstone, for ‘The Unfulfilled’.
The $5,000 Buchanan Mudgee Hospital Small Sculpture Prize was awarded to Emma Ferris Mudgee, for ‘Twinkling Journey’, which will be displayed as part of the Mudgee Hospital public art collection.
The $2,000 Cameron Anderson Architects Prize for Artistic Merit went to Carl and Eden Plaisted, Orange, for ‘Novus’.
The $300 Sculptor’s Society Sensory Sculpture Prize went to Fe Heffernan, Elizabeth Bay, for ‘Touch Words’.
The $500 young sculptor achievement prize went to Keizer Wood, Coonabarabran, for ‘Faith in Bloom’.
This year’s exhibition selection committee included David Handley AM, founder of the iconic Sculpture by the Sea, along with renowned architect and contemporary artist Susan Roth-
“Inland Jetty” by Vlasé Nikoleski from Charlestown, won the $30,000 SIG and Mid-Western Regional Council prize at Sculptures in the Garden recently – awarded for the most outstanding large-scale work.
PHOTO: SIG
well AM, journalist, artist Sam Paine, and local Mudgee architect Cameron Anderson.
Founder and curator Kay Norton-Knight said the calibre of work this year exceeded already high expectations.
“We continue to see more creativity and skill, year on year,” she said.
“It’s always a difficult decision for the judging panel, but this year’s entries were so exceptional that it really made their decision difficult.
“Congratulations to the artists taking home a prize and to all participants on a wonderful exhibition.”
Sculptures in the Garden continues to grow as a key event on the Australian arts calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and generating significant cultural and economic value for the Mudgee region and will continue through to October 26.
LOAD YOUR FREE COMPOST IN OCTOBER
Take advantage of the residential compost giveaway and access compost for free from the Whylandra Waste and Recycling Facility and Wellington Waste Transfer Station during October.
Each household is entitled to take the equivalent of one cubic metre of compost. Residents must load the compost themselves. A shovel will be provided at the location. For more information visit dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Dubbo Regional Airport is inviting the community to provide feedback into airport operations in their biennial community survey.
The feedback gathered in the survey will be used to optimise the passenger experience at the airport, and ensure the services and facilities offered continue to meet the needs of the region.
Head to YourSay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au to have your say.
The author talk events will be held on Tuesday 4 November from 5pm – 6pm at the Dubbo Library and on Wednesday 5 November from 10:30am –11:30am at the Wellington Library. This is a free event; bookings are preferred. To
dubbo.nsw.gov.au
We welcome your news, ideas & photos: email newsroom@narrominestar.com.au mail 5/33 Hawthorn Street, Dubbo phone 02 6889 1656
By SHARON BONTHUYS
A BEAUTIFUL public mural was unveiled earlier this month in Narromine, celebrating the story of the Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus).
Adorning a side wall overlooking Payten Park at the Narromine Sports and Fitness Centre, the mural is the work of artist Jack Randell, also known as FishdogJack, aided by the input of a number of local young people who participated in associated workshops.
The “Sacred Kingfisher” is the second of three storytelling public artwork murals to be completed with the support of Create NSW, ArtClubDub, local councils and their communities. It joins the already-completed “Bin Chicken Mural” in Dubbo, with the third to be created in Wellington.
FishdogJack joined Narromine Mayor Cr Ewen Jones, Aunty Ruth Carney, representatives of the Narromine Shire Council and community members at the unveiling of the mural on Friday, October 10.
Aunty Ruth, who provided a Welcome to Country, joked that in researching the kingfisher, she discovered the male bird courts the female by giving her a fish.
“He’s got a ten-inch beak and could get plenty of fish for his lady but only gives her one! What
a cheapskate!” Aunty Ruth said, to much laughter.
Mayor Jones praised the collaboration between the artist, local and state organisations, and the community that made the mural
possible.
“Jack collaborated with several of our local young people and NDIS participants who first came together during the July school holidays to develop the concept
By SHARON BONTHUYS
IT’S National Water Week, and this year’s very relevant theme of “Bring Water Into Focus” was high on the agenda at a roundtable discussion on water security held in Narromine on Tuesday, October 21.
The Alliance of Western Councils brought together key water authorities and regional leaders at the Narromine Aero Club to discuss water security for critical human needs.
Senior representatives attended including Andrew McConville (Chief Executive, Murray-Darling Basin Authority), Sean Sullivan (Deputy Secretary, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water), Simon Banks (Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder), and representatives from the NSW Water Directorate.
Alliance Chair and Bogan Shire Council Mayor, Cr Glen Neill, said the event focused on the urgent need for secure and sustainable regional water supplies.
“Despite years of planning and the lessons from the worst drought in 130 years, water security for regional towns remains unfinished business,” Cr Neill said.
“This roundtable was about turning lived experience into action,” he added.
Mayor Ewen Jones rep -
The Macquarie-Wambuul River at Narromine, an important water source for the region. PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS
resented Narromine Shire Council at the roundtable.
Issues raised for the local area included the timely development of the new water treatment plant for Narromine (and working through the various approvals required to develop a town treatment plant), and the availability of locallysupplied training for water and sewer employees.
Not-for-profit organisation Rural Aid has used National Water Week to urge Australians to help farming families who are living
without safe, reliable household water. During August, Rural Aid made 60 household water tanks available to farming families across every state and territory, with every single tank claimed within minutes.
A recent survey of Rural Aid’s registered farmers found that 77 per cent of respondents rated their need for a domestic water tank as either high or medium. Of those who have received a Rural Aid tank, 97 per cent reported an improvement in their wellbeing.
and design,” he said.
“We’re thrilled that some of them are able to join us to [see the end results of their involvement in bringing] the artwork to life through their own hands, paint-
ing the vibrant mural you see for us today,” Cr Jones added.
“This project is a wonderful example of how art can bring people together, fostering creativity, inclusion and community pride. It not only adds color and character to our town, but also celebrates the natural beauty of the spirit of Narromine.”
FishdogJack said the community collaboration was vital, as “you can’t do something this big unless you have a plan. Once the plan is there, people can paint.”
The community participants took part in separate design and painting workshops facilitated by ArtClubDub, he explained.
Interested in urban amenity, FishdogJack said the beauty of creating an artwork on a public building is that it humanises the “blank stare of a blank wall”.
He hopes the local community appreciates the beauty of what has been created by him with the support of local people.
“I hope that there’s a legacy from this artwork, from the participants in both the mural design and the mural painting, and I hope that the legacy is that people start to think of more places to change those blank stares of public and commercial buildings into favorable spaces for people to occupy,” he concluded.
The Narromine Cycle Club in former glory days, with members and visitors getting ready to take on the track at Payten Park, Narromine. PHOTO: LLOYD LODDING.
OUR story in last week’s issue about Narromine Cycle Club formally folding and donating its remaining funds to local charitable causes touched many local people’s hearts.
We have been told some residents have been scurrying through their photo albums looking for pictures of the cycle club in its glory days.
Lloyd Lodding sent this photo in, taken on the same track at Payten Park where the club regularly rode in its heyday. He’s not quite sure of the timeframe of the photo, but hazarded a guess that many of the youngsters in it would now be adults or in their late teens.
Thanks, Lloyd, for sending this to Dubbo Photo News
The next Ordinary Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 12 November 2025 at Council Chambers commencing at 5:30 pm.
WATER NOTICE – FIRST QUARTER
Water notices for the first quarter of 2025/26 were issued on 8 September 2025 and are overdue as of 20 October 2025. Residents are encouraged to pay any arrear amounts as soon as possible as interest is levied, currently 10.5%, on all overdue amounts. For more information or enquiries on water charges and payment options, please visit Council’s website at www.narromine.nsw.gov.au/ residents/water-rates or visit Council’s Customer Service & Payments Centre, 118 Dandaloo Street Narromine
PENSION CONCESSIONS ON RATES
If you currently own and occupy a residential property in the Narromine Shire and hold a Pensioner Concession Card you may be entitled to a rebate. For more information, please visit Council’s website www.narromine.nsw.gov.au/ residents/pensioner rebates Alternatively, please call Council’s Customer Service team on 02 6889 9999 for more information.
ROAD CLOSURES and ROAD SAFETY
All road updates, traveller information and personalised alerts for all NSW roads including Narromine Shire Council’s roads please visit www.livetraffic.com/ Up to date road closures and information is available 24/7 on livetraffic.com or by phoning council or via social media channels. Motorists are reminded to proceed with caution on all roads. For any further information about Narromine Shire Council’s roads go to www. narromine.nsw.gov.au/residents/roadconditions
DRIVE SAFELY THROUGH ROADWORKS
With multiple road improvement projects currently underway across the Shire, Council urges all motorists to exercise caution when approaching and driving through roadwork zones. Please reduce your speed, remain alert for hazards, and be prepared to stop when required. It is essential to follow all signage, adhere to the designated speed limits, and comply with directions from traffic controllers. The safety of both drivers and road workers depends on responsible and attentive driving.
Narromine Shire Council advises residents that the Narromine and Trangie Waste Management Facilities will be open Thursday, 23 October 2025 and closed Friday, 24 October 2025. Normal operating hours will resume thereafter.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Council at its Extraordinary Meeting held 1 October 2025 resolved that the Draft Code of Meeting Practice 2025 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, inviting written submissions for a period of 42 days. Submissions will therefore close Wednesday, 19 November 2025. The document is available to view by visiting Council’s Customer Service and Payments Centre or online at www.narromine.nsw.gov.au/council/ public-exhibition
Narromine Shire Council is intending to lease unused public roadway transversing Lot 151 DP 227568 for a period of 5 years, for more information please visit www. narromine.nsw.gov.au/council/publicexhibition
Written submissions on the proposed lease should be sent to Narromine Shire Council, PO Box 115, Narromine, NSW, 2821 or via email to mail@narromine.nsw. gov.au by 5pm on Friday, 14 November 2025.
NARROMINE & TRANGIE AQUATIC CENTRES OPERATING HOURS
For season passes and pool bookings go to: thriv3-aquaticcentres.square.site/ contact us For further information or general enquiries, please contact the management team on (02) 6889 1508 or via email at Pools@THRIV3.com.au.
Narromine and Trangie Aquatic Centres has commenced the 2025 swimming season Operating Hours:
Narromine Aquatic Centre
Monday to Friday: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weekends: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Trangie Aquatic Centre
Monday to Friday: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weekends: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Early Morning Swimming
6:00 am – 8:00 am at both Narromine and Trangie Aquatic Centres
GARAGE SALE TRAIL - NARROMINE SHIRE RESIDENTS
The 2025 Garage Sale Trail will occur over two weekends of bargain hunting and turning pre-loved items into extra cash on 8–9 & 15–16 November. This is the perfect chance to declutter, make some cash and discover some hidden gems in the Narromine Region! To find out more visit garagesaletrail.com.au/narromine
FREE COMPOST AVAILABLE TO ALL RESIDENTS
Narromine Shire Council residents can collect compost for free during our October compost give away. Head to the Narromine, Trangie or Tomingley Waste Facilities during their opening hours and grab your free compost (Don’t forget your shovel). This rich compost is made from the hard work of our residents thanks to everyone using their green-lid FOGO bins.
BUSHFIRE DANGER PERIOD HAS COMMENCED – 1st OCTOBER 2025
From Tuesday 1st October all residents in the Narromine Shire Local Government Area must obtain a fire permit if you wish to light a fire on your property. Permits are free and can be easily obtained at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/notify and ‘Apply for a Fire Permit’. For more information about permits visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP
Further information on obtaining a permit contact the Orana Fire Control Centre by phoning 6881 3900 during business hours.
REGISTER AND MICROCHIP YOUR PET
There are legal requirements to microchip your pets by a certain age, but did you know you also have to register your pets? Registering your pets can give you the ability to assign and update your pets’ details if you move addresses, change contact details or in the case of a change of ownership. Working dogs do need to be microchipped and registered, though registration is at no charge. Find out more about keeping your best mate safe by visiting: www.petregistry.olg.nsw. gov.au
EVENTS COMING UP IN THE NARROMINE REGION
23 October – Local Legends, Narromine Business Collective at Narromine Golf Club at 6.30pm Tickets are free at 123tix 28 October – 2 November Australian Aerobatic Championships at Narromine Aerodrome
8-9 November & 15-16 November 2025
- Garage Sale Trail registrations will open 10 September 2025, for more information www.garagesaletrail.com.au/Narromine 10 December – Narromine Venetian Carnival, Dundas Park commencing at 5:30 pm
Narromine & Trangie Libraries have activities for everyone throughout the year - don’t forget to find out what’s going on in your local library by visiting: www.mrl.nsw.gov.au/ OR visit www. narromineregion.com.au/calendar for all events in the Narromine Region.
The 2025 Narromine Region Shop Local Campaign is set to commence Monday 27 October, encouraging residents to support local businesses in the lead up to Christmas. By spending $20 or more at participating retailers, everyone is eligible to enter the draw and to win one of four $250 gift vouchers. Look out for the Shop Local flags, entry forms and entry boxes located across the Narromine Region and take part in supporting the Narromine Region’s local economy. Winners will be drawn in December.
By DAVID DIXON
CURRENTLY without a home, Wellington Arts are taking it to the streets next weekend.
Between leases, the long-running local community creative group, has decided to hold a one-off Art Market on the grounds of Kinrock Studio at 130 Gisborne Street.
Showcasing 12 local creatives over next weekend, October 25–26, there’ll be dozens of works for locals to buy, hang, or gift, Wellington Arts Centre President/Secretary Emily Falson revealed.
“We were in the Western Stores for five years, and then the lease ran out, and we’ve had to find a new place,” Emily explained.
“We’re moving into the old Bill’s Café building that we’re in the process of renovating, so we’re between venues,” she added.
Currently without a place they can call home, the group decided to make a virtue of necessity, with an outdoor showing of local art works.
“We exist to showcase our artists, and people usually come in to our gallery, but they obviously can’t at the moment. So, we decided to have an art market
with 12 artists, all members of the Wellington community, with many very reasonably priced and affordable works,” Emily said.
Locals with art that no longer suits their current or planned home renovation, also have something to look forward to, Emily said.
“The other exciting this is the return of the ‘Refresh Your Art’ event, for people who have art at home, that no longer suits their style. Bring it in, and we’ll try and find a buyer for you, and make a little extra money; you might pick up a bargain, too,” Emily enthused.
Another special promotion on the weekend will involve an original work being created on-site during the Market, with prizes to be won as well, she said.
“Watch as Chris O’Leary produces a stunning artwork over the weekend, we’ll also have live music throughout the day,” Emily said.
“You can also win $1000 in our Chrissy Bonus raffle, with a coffee van on-site for those needing a pick-me-up,” Emily concluded.
The fair also coincides with the Dubbo Rotary Maranatha House Open Day on the Saturday, meaning you can (figuratively) kill two birds with one stone!
By DAVID DIXON
SQUADRON Energy was happy enough with the first foundation concrete pour being completed recently for the Uungula Wind Farm project.
This event marks the start of turbine foundation works with the ultimate delivery of 69 wind turbines, Executive General Manager, Development and Delivery, Tony Clark said.
“It’s a proud moment, we’ve worked closely with local partners and stakeholders to get to this point, and today’s milestone reflects the strength of that collaboration,” Mr Clark said.
“It’s exciting to see the foundations being laid, literally, for a more sustainable future; this project will bring long-term benefits to the region, from job creation to legacy infrastructure,” he added.
Not a popular project with everyone locally, but the first concrete pour
follows 15 months of earthworks and ground preparation, with a further 68 concrete foundation pours for each of the 6MW turbines that will be installed for the 414MW project. The first two shipments of turbine components, including blades, have arrived at the Port of Newcastle recently, and are being stored there prior to delivery to the Uungula Wind Farm site in the new year.
Uungula Wind Farm is located 14km east of Wellington and, once complete, optimistically forecasts that it will generate enough electricity to power more than 220,000 homes and prevent more than 560,000 tonnes of carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere annually.
During construction, Squadron Energy claims that this project will create 262 direct jobs and invest $41 million into the regional economy.
Dubbo has been named the second most aff ected area in NSW for severe weather events over the past three years, according to new data released by insurer AAMI.
The insurer’s analysis of thousands of natural disaster claims lodged between July 2022 and June 2025 found that Dubbo ranked just behind Banora Point, then followed by Merewether, Raymond Terrace and Orange in the state’s top five severe weather hotspots.
Dubbo’s high ranking was driven largely by major hail and rain events in 2023, which led to extensive property damage and some of the highest insurance claim volumes in the state. Hail was identified as the most frequent and costly cause of damage in the AAMI data, with Dubbo and Merewether topping that list.
AAMI Head of Home Product and Portfolio, Josh Kelland, said the results served as a reminder for residents across the state to prepare for the coming season.
“Regardless of whether your suburb ranked number one or one hundred on our hot spots list, now is the time to prepare yourself, your family and your home for the summer disaster season,” Mr Kelland said.
He warned that no region is immune to extreme weather.
“Some regions in NSW may be more used to wild weather – like those identified in our top ten, however as we’ve seen time and time again in recent years, Mother Nature can strike anywhere, and at any time – having a significant impact on homes and
communities. Now is not the time for complacency.”
Suncorp’s Severe Weather Meteorologist, Andrew Bufalino, said forecasts are pointing to a shift toward La Ni√±a conditions, bringing aboveaverage rainfall and an increased likelihood of fl ash and riverine flooding along the east coast.
Residents are being urged to take precautionary measures such as clearing gutters, trimming trees, securing outdoor items and checking roofs for loose tiles.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing said preparation is key: “Storms can develop rapidly and cause widespread damage. Simple actions like cleaning gutters, securing outdoor items and having a home emergency plan can significantly reduce the impact on your family and property.”
The AAMI report highlights the growing risk of severe weather across regional NSW. Top tips to prepare
• Secure and put away loose items around your backyard or balcony.
• Trim trees and branches that could fall onto your home or car.
• Clean your gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris.
• Park your vehicles under cover and away from trees or powerlines.
• Inspect retaining walls.
• Ensure there’s no corrosion, loose fittings or rotting timber around your property.
• Inspect your roof for damaged or loose tiles.
When selling a home, negotiations are a crucial part of the process. Receiving a counteroff er from a potential buyer can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To handle it like a pro, follow these essential steps.
• Stay calm and analyse the offer. Receiving a counteroff er can trigger strong emotions, but remaining calm is essential to achieving a satisfying outcome. Be respectful when disagreeing with or rejecting terms. Communicate your wishes clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
• Assess your priorities. Reassess your priorities before responding to the counteroff er. Consider your desired sale price, willingness to negotiate on repairs or concessions and your timeline for closing the deal. Knowing your bottom
line will help you make informed decisions during the negotiation process.
• Be flexible. Be willing to compromise when adjusting your terms. However, be firm on the aspects that matter most to you. Striking the right balance between flexibility and assertiveness is key.
Finally, consult with a real estate agent throughout the process. They can provide market analysis, assess the buyer’s off er relative to current market conditions and help you decide on the best course of action.
Because these steps are general in nature, your real estate agent or other property professional is the best person to consult for individual advice that best suits your needs.
When it’s time to put your property on the market, you naturally want to get the best possible price. Here are three essentials you can get started on now to assist in attracting the best result:
First impressions really do count - Pay attention to the appearance of your property. Is it clean and tidy? Is paint peeling or cracked? Do you need to replace the front door or letterbox? How are the yard, gardens and paths? Try popping a few pots filled with lush greenery or flowers near the door for a welcoming vibe.
Clean and polish – Clean, fresh and sparkling sells! Pay particular attention to the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry. Take a look around with fresh eyes to identify flaws that are likely to put off potential buyers. A lick of fresh paint does the trick on the walls and new carpet or vinyl can work wonders.
Deal with potential danger - Be sure to fix anything that could injure a visitor to your home. Safety issues are not appealing – carefully check stairs, balconies, light switches, power points and cracked glass. Outside, think splintered decking, protruding nails, cracked paving and uneven flooring.
Are you interested in fl ipping homes?
The Aussie real estate industry describes house fl ipping as being a real estate investment strategy that involves buying an undervalued property, renovating it to increase its value, and then quickly reselling it for a profit. The goal is to buy low, improve the property, and sell high in a relatively short period, typically from a few months to a year.
Here are four signs you may be ready to give it a go.
1. You’re passionate. You must have a passion for real estate and renovating. While house fl ipping can be rewarding, it requires a genuine interest in the work involved. Your passion will help you stay motivated through the challenges and setbacks that come with fl ipping houses.
2. You’re financially stable. You must have enough stability to handle the
cost commitment of buying and renovating a home. Assess your financial situation to ensure you can handle unexpected expenses and fluctuations in the market.
3. You have realistic expectations. You’ve fully considered all the time, effort and potential setbacks involved in house fl ipping. This will prevent you from becoming discouraged if profits don’t materialise immediately.
4. You have a strong network.
Building a strong network of real estate agents, contractors and other local building professionals can help streamline the fl ipping process and increase your chances of success. Assess your ability to form these connections.
Reach out to a real estate professional in your area to get started on the house-hunting process. They’ll help you make an informed decision based on your goals and budget.
For other tips or any questions, call Karen on 0448 191167 or email at karen@chantandco.com.au.
Are you thinking about growing your family? Do you need to move into a larger home with more space? Here are four tips to help simplify the housebuying process.
1. Prioritise the right neighbourhood. Look for a home in a neighbourhood close to work and reputable schools for your children. Proximity to nearby recreational facilities and
libraries is also an important consideration when you have kids.
2. Analyse the home size and features. Find a home with the right number of bedrooms for your growing family. Moreover, a home with at least two bathrooms can also help reduce stress and provide privacy as your children grow older.
3. Consider the outdoor space. A home with a spacious fenced-in backyard with room for play gear or a sandbox and so on is an important consideration when you have children. Moreover, proximity to parks and nearby walking/cycling paths ensures your children have plenty of opportunities for outdoor play.
4. Assess the parking situation. Parking can have a significant impact on your daily routine and convenience. For example, a home with only onstreet parking (yes, that’s much less common in country areas!) may not be the best choice with kids in tow. Ample parking space is also a consideration if you often have visitors.
House hunting with a growing family requires careful consideration of various factors. Contact a local real estate expert to help you find the home of your dreams.
Ivy Elizabeth Stoneman (F)
Born: 30/9/2025
Weight: 3780g
Parents: Jake and Megan
From: Dubbo
Sibling: Roy (3 1/2)
Grandparents: Shane and Lorena Stoneman, Debbie and Paul Raines
Great grandparents: Pat Stoneman and Nellie Reynolds
Levi Alexander Lukas (M)
Born: 7/10/25
Weight: 3430g
From: Brewarrina
Harlow Rose Rabone (F)
Born: 5/10/25
Weight: 3630g
From: Cobar
Parents: Sarah and Huw Rabone
Siblings: Hudson (4) and Remi (2)
Grandparents: Lynne and Don, Jenny and Andrew.
Parents: Tommie Lukas and Laura Gordon
Sibling: Charlie (2).
Born: 3/10/25
Weight: 2900g
From: Wellington
Parents: Christy and Aaron Mirto
Siblings: Ella (4) and Ava (7)
Grandparents: Karen and Colin Russell, Stephen Simmons, Nicolette Victor and Mick Parent, Benny and Yupha Mirto.
The curious students in the Dubbo South Public School Year Five Extension Mathematics class have been diligently working on extending their understanding and skills when working with fractions.
They have identified an important connection between knowing and understanding the relationship between numbers in their times tables and being able to efficiently solve challenging fraction problems.
The students have demonstrated their determination when working mathematically, working collaboratively and persevering to explore different ways of finding solutions.
Brilliant work Year Five!
How old are you? 4
What are you good at?
Jumping
What type of food do you love the most? Grapes
Do you have a favourite song? Lightning McQueen
What makes you laugh? When Mum and Dad tickle me!
What is your favourite thing to do? Going to Ollie’s soccer. I like going to soccer.
If you could paint your house, what colour would it be? Green What would you like to be when you grow up? A fireman. They
and drive a fire truck.
Send in a photo, details and a short birthday wish, and your special birthday child will be elligible for a FREE kids doughnut to help them celebrate! Send entries to: myentry@dubbophotonews.com.au Entries must be in by 5pm Friday the week before.
By KEN PHILLIS
By ROGER MACKAY
Harold W Taylor and Son (George) was a long established Ford Dealership in Macquarie Street Dubbo, opposite Myer. Over the years, there has been many staff come and go.
With a small committee consisting of Roger Mackay, Wendy and Merv Starr, and Robert (Snow) Reynen, it was decided to hold another reunion (the fourth) and so the date was set for September 27 at “Sporties”.
With phones calls and emails the ball was rolling. Approximately 65 people attended, some travelling from Queensland, Victoria and Central Coast. There were a lot of photos on display, stories told, and a lot of old friendships renewed.
Some of these people haven’t seen each other since our last reunion in 2019. The group photo shows some of the old staff members that attended on the night.
All in all, everybody had a top night catching up.
A special thank you to the management and staff of Sporties and their Chinese restaurant.
99 reasons to smile: Happy birthday, Edie!
3
21 In respect of (7) 24 Obstruct (6)
Ursine bed companion (5,4) 28 Custom, practice (5) 29 Stew (6)
30 Organ or laptop component (8)
1 Life simulation series developed by Maxis, The – (4) 2 Southern Spanish region (9) 3 Between heaven and hell (5) 4 Black stone (8) 6 Body of troops (7)
7 Certain cuts of meat (5)
8 Genuine (9)
9 Strikebreaker (4)
14 Philoshoper, René – (9)
16 Exaggerated theatre (9)
17 Line of descent (8)
19 A hinged altarpiece (7)
22 Spine (5)
23 Pursue (4)
25 Perpendicular (5)
26 Smutty (4)
12 Nut (6) 13 I don’t know (coll) (5,2)
Getting rid of (8)
Free from an obligation (6)
Bleachers (6)
Government by the populace (8)
Aim: acne, cairn, cancer, cane, chain, chance, chancer, chancery, chancier, chancre, chancy, chicane, CHICANERY, chin, china, chine, cinch, crane, cyan, cyanic, cynic, earn, enrich, henry, hernia, hyena,
6 LETTERS CAMERA ERASER SAUNAS WAISTS 7 LETTERS
ARIES: You could make your next adventure a reality by dreaming big and applying the principles of attraction. You’ll make certain discoveries that could have positive impacts on your career.
TAURUS: Your emotions are running high this week. Fortunately, these feelings will help ignite your creativity. You’ll also play caregiver to a loved one. This will strengthen your bond and nurture a sense of reciprocity that creates optimism for the future.
GEMINI: It’s easier to negotiate when your emotions aren’t involved. Be careful, as your children may try to take advantage of your kindness to gain certain privileges. Maintain your vigilance and don’t give in to their requests too easily.
CANCER: You may, for no apparent reason, have a sense of uneasiness this week. However, this discomfort could prompt you to consult a specialist sooner rather than later, so you get the care you need to improve your well-being.
1. Which Spanish artist had a ‘blue period’ and a ‘rose period’?
2. Thumper is a rabbit from which Disney film?
3. What is the capital city of Wales?
4. Don Cheadle (pictured) starred as Marty Kaan in which US series?
5. What is displayed in the centre of the Argentinian flag?
LEO: You’ll accomplish something remarkable this week that fills you with pride and boosts your self-confidence. This achievement will help you flourish. In addition, you’ll be just the right person to help someone navigate a tricky situation.
VIRGO: Changing your diet will help you reach your health goals. Additionally, the idea of starting a small home business may spark your interest and give you the energy you need to succeed.
LIBRA: Your loved ones will seek you out for exciting moments and meaningful conversations. If you’re in a new relationship, you’ll have serious discussions with your partner about the future. The possibility of moving in together or starting a family may come up.
SCORPIO: At work, a promotion with a pay raise is on the horizon. Be cautious, though, as some colleagues might envy your success. In your love life, a new beginning will bring happy moments.
SAGITTARIUS: You’ll spend quality time with your loved ones this
6. Which composer wrote the Wedding March?
7. By what common abbreviation is polyvinyl acetate known?
8. In which Australian city did the Eureka Stockade take place?
9. Which planet was discovered by Sir William Herschel in 1781?
10. A falchion is what type of weapon?
week. By managing your schedule wisely, you’ll turn even your professional responsibilities into enjoyable experiences.
CAPRICORN: This week, you’ll reflect deeply on your life journey, and your thoughts will lead to valuable insights. Your creativity will enhance your well-being. Don’t forget to step outside to clear your mind and recharge your batteries.
AQUARIUS: If you’re single, you’ll receive an invitation to go on an outing with your friends. This invitation will help you reconnect with the more social side of life. Social media could also help you make new friends or expand your client base.
PISCES: Challenges will pile up this week. Fortunately, your ability to manage your priorities will keep you moving forward. Be careful, however, not to let anxiety about time constraints overwhelm your daily life or dampen your mood. The luckiest signs this week: Pisces, Aries and Taurus.
AMAZON
BONGO
BONOBO
CANOPY
CLOUD FOREST CONGO
DAINTREE
ELEPHANT FOREST FLOOR FUNGI
GIBBON
GORILLA
HORNBILL
JAGUAR
JUNGLE
LANTERN FLY
LEMUR
MACAW
OKAPI
ORANGUTAN
PANGOLIN
PIRANHA
RAINFALL
RESERVE
SAPO
SIAMANG
TAMARIN
TEMPERATE
TIGER
TITAN BEETLE
TOUCAN
VALDIVIAN
Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
Place each of the tiles of letters into the blank jigsaw below to create four six-letter words going across and down.
Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
By KEN SMITH
It was “high tea heaven” at Oak Tree Retirement Village last Sunday, October 19, as an appreciative Sunday afternoon crowd enjoyed fine food and an even finer performance by Dubbo’s own Sing Out Choir. With proceeds from the sold-out event supporting the Sing Out Choir, guests enjoyed one of Oak Tree’s famous “high teas” and were treated to a performance by members of the choir.
The Oak Tree Retirement Village team, who are renowned for their spectacular high teas, added another success to their well deserved reputation.
The Sing Out Choir, as usual, were also loving their moment in the spotlight.
Congratulations to all involved.
By KEN SMITH
To use a well known saying: “It was a beauty!”
The 2025 Cross Cultural Carnivale was that and so much more. Dance, music, colour and spectacular food from all over world, delivered by those who have chosen to make Dubbo their home.
Ollie Robbins Oval was once again host to a fantastic afternoon and evening event that attracted many across the afternoon and evening, finishing with some spectacular fireworks.
ORISCON was effusive in its thanks on social media to those who came and supported the cultural festival.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we want to say a big thank you to everyone who came. [It] reminded us why we love this community so much...
“A celebration of who we are together: proud, diverse, and united,” organisers said on social media.
Well done to ORISCON and the many who organised and worked, entertained us, fed us and to those who attended who went away very happy that they had attended.
Performers enjoyed the experience as much as those watching.
Beloved Wife of Brian Joseph McMahon (Slim) (dec). Loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Christine & Dave, Carol & Micheal, Patrick & Libby, Margaret (dec.) & Greg (dec.), Janet & Lars, Lucy & Neil.
Cherished Grandmother of Damien, Simon, Josh, Emma, Anthony, Rhianon (dec.), Savannah, Megan, Kirby, Luke, Matthew, Finn & Thys.
Much loved Sister, Sister-in-law, Aunty and Cousin of her family.
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend Barbara’s cremation service, to be held at The Chapel of Western Districts Memorial Park Crematorium, 11L Boothenba Road Dubbo, commencing at 1pm Tuesday 28th October 2025.
FUNERALS 6882 2434 Funeral arrangements are in the care of Mrs Gweneth Ann Harrod
out door gas heater, 12 volt oven, 2.2 Honda generator as new good size for camping, small compressor
Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th October, 9am – 1pm Call 0429 294 418 for more info Everything must go!
If you can find our Face In the Crowd, you could win a $80 voucher to spend at PIZZA CRAVINGS! Somewhere amongst the faces in this edition of Dubbo Photo News you will find the face shown above. Once you have found our Face in the Crowd, write the page number and approximate location on the back of an envelope along with your name, address and daytime contact number.
Send it to: FACE IN THE CROWD, Dubbo Photo News, Unit 5/33 Hawthorn St, Dubbo NSW 2830 or email details to: myentry@panscott.com.au
One entry per week per person please. Entries close at the end of the month. All entries received during the month go into the one big draw. The first correct entry drawn wins.
ON THIS WEEK
St Andrews Uniting Church, Narromine: Garage sale this Saturday, October 25, in the church grounds at Meryula Street, Narromine. 8.30am - 11.30am. Books, bric-a-brac, and so much more.
Wellington Arts: Join us this weekend, October 25-26, at the Wellington Art Market, 130 Gisborne Street, in the grounds of Kinrock Studios. Market will run from 10am to 3pm. Local art for sale, live music, co ee van and much more.
Wellington Rotary Markets are on this Saturday, October 25, at Cameron Park.
COMING SOON
CWA Terramungamine Branch: Support your branch and browse the garage sale on Saturday, November 8, from 8am till 11am, Bennett Park opposite 391 Macquarie St. For information, call Barb 0427 251 121. Dubbo District Concert Band: Join us on Sunday, November 2, for an afternoon of musical magic with our Spring Concert in the Dubbo RSL Auditorium. Doors open at 1.30pm, showtime 2pm. Entry costs $5 at the door.
(MULTIPLE DAYS)
Akela Playgroup: Wednesday, 10.30am (Scout Hall), Thursday 9.30am. Akela St, Sharna 0438 693 789.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Friday 7pm AA Mtg(ID Mtg), Sun 7pm AA Mtg(Steps & Traditions)
Dubbo Community Health, Palmer St. Contacts (Fri) Dee 0417 422 750), (Sun) Sally 0427 829 807. Mon 12pm Daily Reflections
Mtg. Wed 7pm Topic Mtg. St Brigid’s Catholic Church rooms, 198 Brisbane St. Contacts (Mon) David 0417 063 087, (Wed) Ian 0447 176 590. Info 1300 222 222 www.aa.org.au.
Book Shop run by Wellington Lions: Open Thursday to Saturday 10am to 2pm in Kimbell’s Kitchen, diagonally opposite Wellington Information Centre. Lots of preloved books, DVDs, CDs most only $2. Also jigsaws available. Di erent stock coming in all the time.
Catholic Healthcare – Dementiafriendly day respite: Mon-Fri, 9am4pm. A caring day away from home with engaging activities, trained sta , nutritious meals, and a safe, social space promoting independence and wellbeing. Kelly 0478 282 588.
Dubbo Arts & Crafts Society
Cottage: 137 Cobra St, Thursday, 10am3pm. Contact 6881 6410. Friday, 10amSpinning and Weaving. Anne 0408 891 225. Saturday Art, Ellen 0427 827 851. Monday, 10am-3pm - Patchwork. Lyn 0429 635 489. Dubbo Croquet: 8.15am for 8.30am start, Tuesday, Thursday. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921.
THIRD Tuesday of the month, 10am - Silver Craft. Julie 0418 976 663. Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc:
Mondays 9am-1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm-5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. All men are welcome, Peter 02 6881 6987.
Dubbo Embroiderers: Saturdays, Macquarie Regional Library - 10am-3pm. SECOND and FOURTH Tuesday of the month, Dubbo Bridge Club, Elston Park, Bultje St Dubbo - 9.30am-3pm. All are welcome. Patricia 0439 846 400. Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, Tuesday and Thursday, Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, contact Ray 0437 541 942. Line Dancing: Thursday 9:30am-12pm. Wednesday 6:30pm-8:30pm. Greek Hall cnr Gipps and Roper Sts Dubbo. All welcome, no experience needed. $10/class, first class free. dubbolinedancers@gmail.com or Trudy 0423 189 849.
Narromine Community Women’s Shed: 10am-3pm, Monday and Wednesday, The Wesley Centre, 138 Dandaloo Street, Narromine. Leona 0487 200 987. West Dubbo Bowls: Social Bowls Wednesday and; Barefoot Business Bash on Wednesday nights; Club competitions on Sundays. Full information can be obtained from Club Dubbo on 6884 3000 or bowls@ clubdubbo.com.au.
THURSDAY
Above Board Gamers: SECOND and FOURTH Thursday of the month, 6pm, Devil’s Hollow Brewery. Alan 0432 278 235. Badminton: 7.30pm-9.30pm, Delroy High School Auditorium, East Street, West Dubbo, $5 to play, $22 insurance ($20, school students). Chris 6887 3413. Bingo – South Dubbo Veterans & Community Men’s Shed: 11am12.30pm, West Dubbo Bowling Club. Barry 0439 344 349.
Co ee, Craft and Chat: 9.30am-12pm, Gospel Hall, Cnr of Boundary Road and Taylor St. Anne 0428 425 958.
CWA Dubbo: FIRST Thursday of the month, 9.30am-11am, Oak Tree Retirement Village Peel Street, Dubbo. Marion 6884 2957. CWA Wongarbon Handicraft: SECOND Thursday of the month, Liz 0401 174 883. CWA Wongarbon: FIRST Thursday of the month, 10am, Wongarbon CWA rooms. Marjorie 6884 5558.
Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm-4pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra and Gipps St Let’s Walk together: 10am Thursdays weekly meet at Regand Park near the Walkway Bridge. Everyone is welcome. Supported by the Heart Foundation. Contact Jimmy at Connecting Community Services 1800 319 551.
Macquarie Masons Dubbo: SECOND Thursday of the month. All visitors are welcome, John O’Brien 0405 051 896. Outback Dragons Dubbo: 5.45pm (in summer), Sandy Beach amenities block. Come and try dragon boating, your first fi ve
paddles are FREE. info@outbackdragons. com.au, Robyn 0427 462 504.
Wellington Arts and Crafts: 10am3pm, Small Hall in the Anglican Church grounds, Wellington, variety of crafts, activities and workshops o ered. Dorothy 0408 601 066.
Catholic Healthcare – Mind + Move: Fridays – Remain Active 9-10am. Fun, movement, and connection in a supportive space. Kelly 0478 282 588.
Central West Makers Place: 12pm6pm, South Dubbo Veterans and Community Men’s Shed, Cnr Palmer and High Streets. 3D printing, robotics, pottery, and more. Adam 0431 038 866.
Community Kitchen: FIRST Friday of the month, 6.30pm, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane St, free meal.
Dead End Co ee Club: Narromine’s own “death cafe” discussing end of life issues to improve death literacy meets on the first Friday every month at Platform 11 Cafe, Burraway St, Narromine. FREE. Enquiries: Kaz Hamilton 0437 897 148.
Dubbo Nepalese Christian Fellowship: 6.30-8pm. Cyrel 0416 826 701, Kabita 0452 406 234.
Dubbo Parkinson’s Support Group: FIRST Friday of each month, 10.30am, Horizons village, Minore Road, Dubbo. Marsha Isbester 0427 373 842.
Holy Trinity Kids Club: For ages 6-12 years. Holy Trinity Hall – 158 Brisbane Street. 4-5.30pm. Every 2nd Friday – School Term. Phone Justin 0411 250 760 for more information.
Lunchtime Prayer Group – Dubbo Anglican Church: 1-2pm in Brotherhood House, 158 Brisbane Street. Bring your lunch. Narromine Food Barn: 8.30am-11am, Low-cost groceries, fruit, vegetables and FREE bread with any purchase to people in need. Geo Smith 0427 895 447.
Tai Chi at U3A: 10am, at the Community Arts Centre, Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra Street. Richard 6888 5656. Urban Tribe: 2pm, with dancing, music, singing, caring and sharing. 0459 762 702.
Western Plains Trefoil Guild: SECOND Friday of each month, 10.30am, Orana Gardens round house. Please confirm the meeting will be on. Dorothy 6884 6646.
Beekeepers Inc – Orana: SECOND
Saturday of the month, 9.15am, Narromine Tennis Club rooms, unless other arrangements are made. orana.secretary@beekeepers.asn.au
Bridge Club – Dubbo: 1pm-4.30pm, Bultje Street. Cost: $7 members, $9 nonmembers. Libby 0428 254 324. Croquet: 8.15am, Muller Park Tennis and Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Tricia 0428 876 204, Margaret 0427 018 946.
CWA Gilgandra Market: FIRST Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm, cakes, fruit, pickles,
plants and more! New stall holders are welcome. $5 per table, proceeds to CWA. Hilda 0427 471 270.
Dubbo Anglican Church Vigil Communion Service: 6pm, 158 Brisbane Street. Contact 6884 4990.
Dubbo Bridge Club: 1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 nonmembers. Libby 0428 254 324.
Dubbo Slot Car Racing Club: FIRST and THIRD Saturday of the month, 4pm, Seniors (15+), old Scouts Building, 189-191 Talbragar Street, across from Aldi. Terry 0408 260 965. Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 10am-1pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra and Gipps Sts. Ladies Luncheon: Saturday, November 1, 12 noon, at Zambrero Mexican Restaurant (177 Macquarie St, Dubbo). Ring Bev 6884 2401 by Thursday, October 30, if interested. Orana Writers’ Hub: 1st Saturday of the month, 10am-1pm. Music Room, WPCC. Patchwork and Quilters Group: 9am, SECOND and LAST Saturday of the month, Dubbo Pipe Band Hall, Cnr Darling and Wingewarra Sts. Charlene 0408 825 180. Parkrun – Dubbo: 8am every week, FREE timed (with barcode), 5km run, jog or walk, starts at Sandy Beach, dogs, prams are welcome. Email dubbohelpers@parkrun.com to help!
RSL Tennis Club: 12.30pm, Paramount Tennis Club courts for enjoyable social tennis. All welcome 0437 824 743. Seventh-day Adventist Church Bible Study: 9.30am, Sabbath School and children’s/youth Sabbath School, 11am, Divine Service. Cnr Cobra and Sterling Sts. dubbo.adventist.org.au
Talbragar CWA: First Saturday of the month. 45L Boothenba Road, Dubbo commencing at 2pm. Will be 90 this year! October meeting will be a regular meeting and AGM. More information - Ronda 0419 275 223. Transition Dubbo Food + Film Night: For information about future events. Peter 0439 091 767.
Wellington Diecast Model Car Collectors Club: First Saturday of the month from 2pm at 25 Clive St, Wellington. Enquiries: Michael Gallop, 0435 745 464. Wellington Rotary Markets are on the fourth Saturday of each month at Cameron Park, except December and January. All welcome.
Australian Kite Flyers Society: SECOND Sunday of the month, 10am, Jubilee Oval. See how to build and fly modern (and old) kites. David 0476 223 342. Bicycle User Group Social Ride: 9am, at Wahroonga Park. Mick 0437 136 169, Sam 0429 826 076, dubbobug.org.au
Dubbo Acoustic Musicjam (DAMjam): SECOND Sunday of the month, 2pm-5pm, Milestone Hotel, upstairs. Join acoustic sessions or just listen. Peter 0457 787 143.
Dubbo Anglican Church Traditional
Communion Service: 8am, 158 Brisbane Street. 6884 4990.
Dubbo Anglican Church: 10am, Trinity Kids Sunday School and family Communion service.
Dubbo Baptist Church: 9.30am. 6pm only during school terms. 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight). Come along and discover if church is still relevant in today’s world. Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320.
Dubbo Ducks: We swim on Sunday at 9am at Dubbo RSL Indoor Pool. For information, contact Henry Wilcockson on 0439 482 824.
Dubbo Pistol Club: 12.30pm, 143L Old Dubbo Road, 6882 0007.
Orana K9 Training Club INC: New intake every 7th Sunday, daylight savings start 8.45am, Eastern Standard time 9.45am. Orana K9 Training now training at Pioneer Oval, Howard Ave, West Dubbo. Reg 0428 849 877, Dianne 0429 847 380.
Orana Pistol Club: 9am, Hyandra Lane, Dubbo. Sundays only, 6887 3704. RSL Combination Bowls: Sunday mornings, names in by 9am for 9.30am start. New or casual players are welcome. For details call 0419 248 520 or the RSL Sporties Club on 5820 0380. The Write In: An opportunity for writers to sit in writerly companionship, writing. 3rd Sunday of the month. Dubbo library meeting room from 11.30.
Traditional Catholic Latin Mass –Rawsonville: SECOND Sunday of the month, 9am, Rawsonville Soldier’s Memorial Hall, Rawsonville Road. 0429 920 842. Transcendental Meditation (TM): Free introductory talks via www.tm.org.au. Maharishi Foundation Australia, scientifically proven benefits of TM. David 0424 252 834.
Amnesty International Dubbo: SECOND Monday of the month, 5.30pm6.30pm, St Brigid’s meeting room. Sandra Lindeman amnesty.dubbo@gmail.com or 0419 167 574.
Anglican Women’s Association: 5.30pm, at Holy Trinity. Dorothy 6884 4990. Australian Air Force Cadets 313 “City of Dubbo” Squadron: 6pm9.30pm, Army Barracks (Cnr Kokoda Pl and Wingewarra St). NOW recruiting, 13 to 18 years, rewarding activities.
Dubbo Bridge Club: FOURTH Monday of the month, 10am-1pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324.
Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 4.30pm start, Wesley Community Hall, 66 Church St. Fun, a ordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@live.com.au
Dubbo Filmmakers: Expressions of Interest. Short features movies and documentaries, shot on smart phones. Contact Sue 0455 255 137 after midday to find out more.
Dubbo Multicultural Women’s Group: THIRD Monday of the month, 10am, St Brigid’s Meeting Room in Brisbane Street.
Women of all backgrounds are invited. 1800 319 551.
RFDS Dubbo Support Group monthly meetings: FIRST Monday of the month, RFDS Visitor Experience, 5pm, 21 Judy Jakins Drive, Dubbo Airport. Jeanette Hamilton 0429 673 366.
Rotary Club of Dubbo: 6pm-8pm, Westside Hotel, Whylandra Street, West Dubbo. Lyn Wicks, 0428 342 374, Carla Pittman 0418 294 438 or dubborotaryclub@ hotmail.com.
Sing Australia Dubbo Choir: 6pm8pm, Bridge Club, Bultje Street. NO auditions, no requirements to read music and no singing experience necessary. Contact Michele Peak 0428 680 775.
Tai Chi 10 Form: 2.30pm-3.30pm during school terms at U3A, Community Arts Centre, WPCC, 76 Wingewarra St. Laney 6882 4680 or laneyluk@gmail.com.
TUESDAY
Aboriginal Elders Walkabout Ministry Group: 9.30am-2pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall, 158 Brisbane Street. Dementia Sing Out Choir: Weekly 11am-12.30pm, Generosity Church, 51 Sheraton Road, Dubbo. Anne Gemmell 0481 396 404.
Depression Recovery Group: 10.30am, at the Catholic Parish Meeting Room, Brisbane St. Norm 6882 6081 or Sandra 0432 647 877
Dubbo Camera Club: Meet 1st Tuesday of the Month at Club Dubbo at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to join. See FB page for more details.
Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 5pm start, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Fun, a ordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@live.com.au
Dubbo Chess Club: 7pm-9pm, at Dubbo RSL. Juniors welcome. Trevor 0424 225 323 and Babu 0422 877 165. Dubbo City Ladies Probus Club: Meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Masonic Village Hall, Darby Close at 10am. Marie Francis 0408 845 640. Dubbo Lions Club Inc: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm, Club Dubbo. PO Box 285 Dubbo, Lois on 0428 288 325 or dubbolionsinc@gmail.com.
Dubbo Men’s Probus: FIRST Tuesday of every month, 11am, Masonic Hall. Bob Ellis 0428 217 752.
Dubbo Prostate Support Group: For information about future meetings, Elizabeth 0408 682 968. Dubbo RSL Euchre Club: 7pm, for 7.30pm, Dubbo RSL, Glen 0419 179 985 or Doreen 6882 6163.
Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm-4pm, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Sts, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre.
Girls Brigade: During school term, 6pm8pm, Orana Baptist Church, 4 Palmer St. For all school aged girls. Enjoy crafts, games, camps, stories, songs, cooking and much
more. Julie 0428 821 829.
Orana Physical Culture: 4pm onwards, starts with 2-4 years Sparkles class, Auditorium at St Mary’s Primary School. See the Orana Physical Culture Facebook page.
Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie: 12.30pm-2pm, Westside Hotel. Peter McInnes 0417 140 149. Rotary Club of Dubbo South: 6pm, at South Dubbo Tavern.
Smart Recovery (Behaviour Change Support Group): 5pm, online or in person. Rob 0417 497 187. South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 9am12pm, Cnr of High and Palmer Streets. New members welcome. Reach Out & Discussion Group for people with Eating Disorders: Expressions of Interest, Tuesdays. Venue TBA. 0455 255 137 after midday to express interest.
Toastmasters Club: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 7pm9pm, Dubbo RSL Club, Brisbane St. Sharon Allan 0408 156 015 or email sallan@rhdubbo.com.au
Women’s Wellbeing Walking Group: 10am Tuesdays fortnightly meeting at Victoria Park BBQ area. Women of all ages welcome. Kathryn at Connecting Community Services 1800 319 551.
WEDNESDAY
Ballroom Dancing: Wednesday
7.30-9.30pm $10. Wesley Hall Cnr of Carrington Avenue & Church Street, Dubbo. Graham Woods 0447 885 603. Blood Cancer Support Group: FIRST Wednesday of month, 10.30am12pm, Venue changes each month. Louise or Emma 0412 706 785. Breast Cancer Support Group:
FOURTH Wednesday of every month, 10am, Baptist Church, Palmer Street, Community Health 5853 2545.
Bric-a-brac sale, weekly –South Dubbo Veterans and Community Men’s Shed: 10am12pm, Corner of Palmer and High Streets. Barry on 0439 344 349.
Cake Cupper & Cancer Support Group: SECOND Wednesday of month, 2.30-4pm, Western Cancer Centre Dubbo, carer is also welcome. For patients having current cancer treatment. Megs or Fi 6809 6200. Catholic Healthcare – Mind + Move: Wednesdays – Gym Ball Drumming 12-1pm. Art 1.30-2.30pm. Kelly 0478 282 588. Co ee, Craft & Chat: FORTNIGHTLY, 10am-12pm, Gospel Chapel on Boundary Road. Anne 0428 425 958.
CWA Dubbo Evening Branch: THIRD Wednesday of the month, 6pm, 3 Frith Street. Barb on 0409 159 556. CWA Narromine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 5.30pm, USMC. Carolyn 0427 747 478. CWA Terramungamine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Barb 0427 251 121. CWA Wellington Branch: SECOND Wednesday of Month,
10.30am, Wellington CWA Rooms, Warne St, Wellington. Marion on 0429 033 836.
Dementia Friendship Group:
SECOND Wednesday of month, 10.30am, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Creo Cafe, Wingewarra St. Anne Gemmell 0481 396 404. Dubbo Anglican Church Trinity Kids Playgroup: 10am-12pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during School terms. Contact 6884 4990.
Dubbo Bobbin Lacemakers:
THIRD Wednesday of the month, 10am-3pm, Arts & Crafts Society Cottage and Craft Shop, 137 Cobra Street. Judy 0416 818 931. Dubbo Bridge Club: 9.45am, for 10am-1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 nonmembers. Libby 0428 254 324. Dubbo Community Garden: 9am-12pm, 4 Palmer Street. A time to garden with others, learn more skills and grow friendships. Denise 0433 623 842 or Julie 0428 821 829.
Dubbo Electric Vehicle Interest, Owners, Users & Supporters (DEVIOUS) group:
FIRST Wednesday of each month, 12.30pm-1.30pm, Western Plains Cultural Centre café. Chris 0409 321 470.
Dubbo Garden Club: 10am, FIRST Wednesday of month, Garden gatherings with morning tea. Contact President Annette Storer 0429 828 882.
Dundullimal Dubbo Support Crew Inc: FOURTH Wednesday of month, 10am, Dundullimal Homestead. Support Homestead functions. 6884 9984, dundullimal@ nationaltrust.com.au
Gamblers Anonymous: 6pm, Baptist Church, Dubbo. Victor 0407 799 139.
Geurie Craft Group: 9am-2pm, Geurie Bowling Club. Everyone is welcome. Colene 0400 422 335. Lodge Allan Stuart 416: SECOND Wednesday of month, Geurie Masonic Centre. Please email secretary@lodgeallanstuart416.org.au
Social Tennis: Friendly Wednesday ladies morning group, inviting you to join us. Come along 9am at Macquarie Club Dubbo.
Survivors Of Suicide Bereavement Group: Wednesdays, by expressions of interest. Please contact 0455 255 137 after midday.
Walter T. Grant Seniors Social Club: 9am-2pm, Scout’s Hall, Welchman Street. $10 per day. BYO lunch. Pre-lunch cards and games, post-lunch bingo. Jan Miller 0418 255 217. West Dubbo Rotary: 6pm, Club Dubbo, Whylandra Street, West Dubbo.
Zumba Kids: 4.15pm, West Dubbo Primary Community Centre. A FUN dynamic class that keeps young bodies active, for kids aged 5 to 12. Gold coin donation per family.
By SHARON BONTHUYS
DID you know you have the chance to win cash every month simply by reporting abandoned shopping trolleys in your neighbourhood?
Dubbo resident Susan B certainly did, and was lucky enough to recently win the monthly $1,000 Trolley Tracker Prize that is up for grabs simply for reporting an abandoned trolley from Woolworths, BIG W, or Dan Murphy’s.
Offered as an incentive to help remove abandoned trolleys from suburban streets and save the environment, the prize has helped national business Trolley Tracker return 3.5 million lost trolleys to their home stores since the initiative began in the early 1990s.
Information on abandoned trolleys is made to Trolley Tracker via its website, smartphone app, or by phone, which is then sent to trolley collection teams in the area who then retrieve the trolleys and return them to their home stores.
For doing so, Susan B has received $1,000 in Woolworths gift vouchers for her efforts, according to Trolley Tracker Project Manager Victor Pritchard.
“This month’s winner, Susan, uses the Trolley Tracker app to report abandoned trolleys that she sees when driving to and from work,” Mr Pritchard said.
Abandoned shopping trolleys
where participants
“Susan uses the app for reporting as she finds it quite handy to use and is impressed with the efficiency of trolley collection,” he added.
“Working with community-minded residents and efficient collection teams
means we can help keep streets and parks attractive and safe by having trolleys picked up quickly.
“This also reduces the risk of trolleys making their way into waterways,” Mr Pritchard concluded.
THE Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is reminding all general aviation pilots and drone operators to plan ahead and stay well clear of bushfires.
Any crewed aircraft not involved in aerial firefighting should remain at least five nautical miles (9.26 kilometres) from fire boundaries – but ideally much further.
Drones must never be flown near bushfires under any circumstances.
Pip Spence, CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety, says that by following the rules, pilots and drone operators can contribute to safer outcomes for all.
“If you’re in the air, firefighting aircraft can’t do their job. By steering clear of bushfires, we can let aerial firefighters get on with the job of containing the fire and keeping communities safe,” Ms Spence said.
“For drone operators, this includes keeping your drone on the ground. Drones are small and hard to see and pose a risk to aircraft and helicopters.
“Always remember to check the rules before you fly, and tune into your local fire authority for the latest updates on active bushfires in your area,” she added.
In recent months, prolonged wet weather across Australia has fuelled rapid vegetation growth, creating ideal conditions for bushfires. When fires ignite, they can spread quickly and disrupt flight paths that pilots would normally use.
Aerial firefighting operations rely on this airspace. These aircraft often fly at low altitudes and may change direction suddenly, posing risks to other airspace users nearby.
Pilots must heed the warnings of local fire and police authorities about any active bushfires along their intended flight path. Pilots are reminded to always consult NOTAMs (notices to airmen) before embarking on a flight.
CASA has a comprehensive set of safety regulations that govern aerial fire-
fighting operations.
These include specific pilot training and experience requirements, approvals for air operators to spot fires and drop water or retardant and the creation of temporary danger or restricted areas around fires.
Hundreds of aircraft are approved to be used in aerial firefighting with, on average, a total of 30,000 hours flown each year in firefighting operations across Australia.
CASA requires air operators approved to control firefighting aircraft to identify and manage safety risks such as pilot fatigue. Safety checks and audits of these operators are carried out by CASA.
During the fire season, CASA is ready to respond quickly to requests for new or changed operational approvals. CASA also has processes to allow foreign pilots to be used in Australian firefighting operations.
By GEOFF MANN
Pipped in Kosciusko; “Snow” and “Gal” are gallops stars!
BRETT Robb – who everyone in racing circles knows simply as “Snow” – added another notch to his increasingly impressive racehorse training profile at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The Nyngan-born trainer went within a length of claiming the $2 million Kosciusko race with his entry, “Galant Star”, running a withering finish in the 1200-metre handicap, and just failing to overhaul winning mount, “Clear Thinking”, ridden by Tyler Schiller, who himself was born in Young.
Gallant Star’s owners, David and Heather Ringland and former Test leg-spinner, Kerry O’Keefe, were still accepting well wishes on their entry as we went to press.
The six-year-old gelding has now taken his prize money to $1.4 million, with a second also in the Country Championship final at Randwick last year, after qualifying for the same race two years in a row; a real highlight.
The Kosciuszko is the world’s richest race for country-trained horses, carrying $2 million in prize money, with every mount a winner of the Kosciuszko sweepstakes.
In local gallops news, Dubbo races are again on Derby Day, Saturday, November 1, before the Melbourne Cup meeting, the following Tuesday, November 4. In the footsteps of legends, Yeo leads local lads on Kangaroo tour
DUBBO junior Isaah Yeo is following in the footsteps of some of our greatest Kangaroos’ captains for this month’s historic tour to Great Britain.
The tough lock who has been at the heart of the Penrith Panthers four-year premiership winning run in the NRL, joins Chris McKivat (Cumnock /Orange) who led the 1908 Wallabies to a gold med-
al in the Olympics, before heading back to Mother England with the Kangaroos as the eighth captain in 1911-12.
In other local legends, tough-asnuts Ian Walsh (Bogan Gate) was
Australian captain in 10 Tests in the early 1960s, having first represented as hooker on the 1959 tour while coach at Eugowra.
Tom Raudonikis and Royce Simmons, both from Cowra, also led
Australian teams on tour.
Other notable western Kangaroos include Andrew Farrer (Cowra), Terry Fahey and Blake Ferguson (Wellington), David Peachey, Andrew Ryan, Les Davidson, Russell Richardson, and Dean Pay (Dubbo), David Gillespie (Narromine), Nik Kosef (Cobar), Brian Johnstone (Dunedoo), Earl Harrison (Gilgandra), Ross McKinnon (Trangie), Ron Bowden (Coonamble), and Brian Johnstone (Dunedoo), and star St George winger, Johnny King from Gilgandra.
The legendary Dave Brown also coached Coonamble in 1947, St George prop Billy Wilson led Baradine to one of five successive Group 14 premierships in the early 1950s, while 1963 Kangaroos fullback, Ken Thornett, led Coonabarabran to success in Group 14.
Joe Jorgensen played for Mudgee after returning from the 1934 Kangaroo tour, while English champion, Dick Huddart, coached Dubbo Macquarie in 1970.
Issah Yeo is joined in the team by Wellington’s grand final star, Kotoni Staggs and Parramatta’s Josh Addo Carr, who also has close family ties to Wellington.
Temora’s Liam Martin was unavailable, as his partner is expecting their first child this month.
CYMS Old Boys annual gathering for 1940s stars onwards
ALTHOUGH their numbers may be dwindling as time takes its toll, the Dubbo CYMS players and supporters from the 1960s to the present still take pride in getting together on an annual basis.
Former policeman Ray “Zoom Top” Adams and Chris Kelly worked with the local Old Boys group to get the word out for the event.
“We had a few ‘starter’ drinks at the Castlereagh Hotel on Friday night, followed by dinner at same location on Saturday evening, with about 30 players and wives/ partners swapping yarns and photos” Ray wrote.
Unlike some of our earlier gath-
erings during playing times, quite a few turned-up for breakfast at the Cultural Centre on Sunday morning, Ray commented.
“The eldest, and still fairly sprightly, was John Meredith, now aged 96. He is probably the only remaining player from the club that formed to play in the local Dubbo comp in 1947 before entering Group 11 in 1958.”
“It was a lovely get together, with old players, their wives and partners. Special thanks to Tod O’Dea and family who organised venues and local logistics. Special mention to wife’s and partners of those players no longer with us. Nice to celebrate the old days as the current CYMS club continues to break records in CRL.”
Happy days indeed, and thanks, Zoom for keeping us informed!
Cultural moment with soccer played in bare feet! IN a touching show of sportsmanship and dedication to friendship in football and life, Dubbo women’s football team threw off their boots for a match against the visiting team from Borooloola (Arnhem Land) at last week’s First Nation’s Football Carnival at Apex Oval.
Organiser Bernie McLeod captured the emotional moment.
“The team from Borooloola never play in boots because they can’t afford them so the Dubbo team offered to match them. It really captured the spirit of the carnival”.
Asked how the local girls fared without the protection of boots, Bernie told Dubbo Photo News,
“Some of the players were a bit wary of bindies at first and there were a few toes trodden on but, overall, it was a wonderful expression of cultural awareness”. It could be said that to know someone is “to walk in their shoes”... or not!
More than 300 payers came from all over NSW to play against teams from as far away as Western Australia and the Northern Territory in what was an incredibly heartening showcase of talent.
BRIAN Fernando and Glenn Morrison are this year’s Men’s Pairs Championship winners. Playing some outstanding bowls, they stunned their much younger and favoured rivals, Daniel Stanley and Jake Ashley, winning 20-9 in the final last Sunday.
The Women’s Club Singles Championship began last weekend. Round One results: R. Gilholme def. C. Brown; L. Erwin def. H. Davis; T. Silk def. M. Ney. Round Two: M. Wilson def. H. Sharpe; J. Gibson def. A. Findlay; M. Rich def. P. Dawson; G. Morrison def. A. Beecroft; R. Gilholme def. L. Erwin; D. Wilson def. B. Goss; B. Margery def. H. Bryan.
In two Men’s Singles quarter-finals, Tim Wilkinson defeated Daniel Stanley, and Warren Towney outlasted Dan Morris.
The remaining quarter/semi-finals of Men’s and Women’s Club Singles Championships will be played this Saturday, or beforehand by mutual agreement. Men’s: C. Biles vs J. Stephenson; G. Gudmunson vs L. Burden. Women’s: R. Gilholme vs Winner (T. Silk/K. Dart); D. Wilson vs B. Margery; M. Wilson vs J. Gibson; M. Rich vs G. Morrison. The winners will play the semi-finals in
the afternoon. Check the noticeboard for the draws for the Mixed Pairs and Mixed Fours.
THE Mid West Pairs’ Championship finals were also held at Club Dubbo last weekend. Current Women’s Club Pairs champions, Marg Rich and Bev Goss, continued on their winning ways when they overcame all opposition to win the Women’s Seniors title, and in doing so qualified for the Bowls NSW State Championships to be held in Dubbo next year.
THIS Sunday and Monday, western regional schools will battle it out at Club Dubbo for fantastic medals and trophies supplied by the club. On Sunday, primary schools from as far away as Coonabarabran and Parkes will compete, and on Monday, secondary schools from Nyngan, Tullamore, Coonabarabran and Dubbo will be on show. Club Dubbo will supply lunches for the kids and teachers, and Let’s Play Bowls commissar, Warren Boyd, from Newcastle, will be in attendance.
A. BEECROFT, J. Zeb and D. Abel won the ‘bikkies’ last Wednesday from S. Evans, B. Goss and B. Abbott. Third place went to J. Usher, F. Holmes and B. Van Der Mey. B. Margery won the Lucky Draw cash. On Friday, J. Davis, J. Zeb and A. Andriske were victorious over the pairs’ combination of S. Evans and S. Ryan. R. O’Shea won the Lucky Draw.
There were no social bowls last Sunday morning due to the other competitions. The Club Dubbo ‘Barefoot Business Bash’ also continues to be a fun event each Wednesday evening.
CLUB Dubbo is staging a special Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, November 4. Contact the club for details.
MCLEOD/MUNRO Pink Charity Day – Sunday, November 9.
For more details and how to contact the club, see our entry in the Dubbo Photo News Diary under “recurring/multiple days”.
Thought for the Week – ‘Be careful when you point the bone that it isn’t a curved one.’ (WGP)
By “SOUTH STAKE”
DARRON and Barbara Wilson, Sue and Lloyd Graham, and Rick and Gloria Klaasens are all embarking on their respective handicap journeys.
South Stake also knows that the club captain has several other new-ish players in their sights as well! Nor are long-standing players themselves exempt from the captain’s beady eye, beady abacus, and scoring beads.
Firstly, let’s back up and take a look at handicaps. Many sports face the problem of how to promote competitive play between players of mismatched ability and experience.
For those sports, limiting play to only equally-ranked players, would greatly restrict the potential fields and reduce the opportunities for individuals to measure their progress in their chosen activity.
Inaugural winner of Dubbo Croquet’s “Mavis Award”, with the eponymous Mavis Grant, presenting the pin to Club Captain, Kate Colwell. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Therefore, many sporting codes apply a handicapping system to play. The Stawell Gift annual sprint
event, for example, does this by varying the starting line so that different sprinters run different lengths of the field. In contrast, golf applies handicaps based on previous play results with the course’s difficulty factored in.
Martial arts of all types typically apply weight ranges. For juniors, weight ranges within age bands are used; while horse racing also applies age bands as well as penalising a history of wins by adding additional weight that runners have to carry.
South Stakes also remembers a time when school football teams were organised in weight, rather than age divisions, with “halfstone” (seven pounds, equivalent to 3.17 kilograms) weight gradations, regardless of chronological age or experience. Whatever the reason for this discontinuation was, South Stake is unaware, but is prepared to be enlightened.
Sometimes, we come across an anomaly. For example, why cat-
egorise boxers by weight, without considering height and arm length?
In the case of croquet, handicapping is deemed by success or loss in play against other players.
From a starting handicap number, a win in a singles game adds 10 points to a player’s points score; a win as a partner in a doubles game equals five points. A loss is recorded as minus-10 or minus-five, respectively.
A player’s handicap is adjusted according to the points accumulated in the relevant range. These points are equally applied to local club games, interclub meets and higher-level matches.
How do our six new players get started? A new player runs a test round of six hoops, three times, which focusses on placement and hooping. The total number of strokes is recorded and set against a handicapping formula.
This is a simple starting point because these two skills represent
only a fraction of what a successful player’s total skill-set has.
South Stake will provide more information on this topic in a later article.
In the meantime, enter the name “Dubbo Croquet” into your favourite search engine, and follow the links to our blogspot page and social media listing.
LAST week we welcomed Mavis Grant back from her recent travels and President Kate Colwell took the opportunity to present her with the original pin of the newlycreated “Mavis Award” which recognises the feat of running two hoops on one stoke.
Last Saturday, October 18, the inaugural winner was, fittingly, President Kate in taking hoops three and four on Court Three. Congratulations are certainly in order, and the feat is extra sweet, in that Kate’s opponent in that game was Mavis herself!
By THE PICKLEBALLER
THE latest news in the Pickleball report from the “Baller” – the “PickleBaller”, that is – highlights some more good recent news for this innovative sport locally.
The start of warm Spring weather witnessed a recent Friday evening’s Pickleball session rounding out what has been an exciting week for players ranging in skills, genders, and ages. This meant that, from 6pm when the Centre opened, its collective nine pickleball courts welcomed more than 50 enthusiastic players, many of whom were trying their hand for the first time.
This centre is located in Elston Park in Bultje Street and has introduced Pickleball to Dubbo. As a result of the player base spreading their popular social arms to Pickleballers, they are growing playing skills for players ranging from A-Grade down to 12-year-old beginners and first-time adults. Embracing the fun and challenges of Pickleball, the sport is touted as the fastest-growing code in the world.
In the competitive stakes last week, Ben Farrelly cemented his position as the dominant player in the local “5 4” YOU series, not only finishing at the top of the table in the Open Men’s grade, but also being the dominant player in the Open mixed grade where Ben and Joy McCarthy Moses led the way.
On a representative level, 12
masters-aged players (aged 40 and over) have had nominations accepted for the Australian Masters tournament that will be hosted in Canberra with games commencing from Friday, October 17.
The Dubbo Stars group – with players ranging from 40 years through to 70-plus – will be competing in male and female categories’ covering singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
The last time the club sent players to the Pan-Pacific Masters Games, the Dubbo Stars returned with gold, silver, and bronze medals – with players including Al Edwards, Deb Crisante, Jack Russell, Leica Doran, Belinda Stewart, Bernie Ward, Chris Ward, Dale Wallace, Don Easter, Merrilyn Craig, Neville Stewart, and Greg King lining up. The local club is again confident they will again have a number of players on the podium at this latest tournament.
The adoption of daylight saving time now sees not only more sessions introduced across six days of the week, but it has also brought about a number of session times changes. Contact the club for more details.
Dubbo Pickleball is also conducting FREE junior sessions at any of the scheduled times for juniors aged under 15, which also emphasises that juniors are more than welcome to attend with their parents or adult supervisors. All equipment is supplied free of charge.
By EIDER DOWN
THE mighty Dubbo Ducks touched down, Sunday, October 19, into the warm and welcoming waters of the Dubbo RSL indoor pool, and within a few ridiculously short moments after that were presented with a four-event card.
But first the results of the Dubbo Meat and Seafood Centre October Trophy Race. Nicole Johnstone took it out at (0.03) off her nominated time. Well done, Nicole, and many thanks to the good folk at DMC!
The first event was a 25m Freestyle. You swim to your time, but no faster, to make it through the heat and into the final. Ron Everett and Alan Quin, though improving, swam too fast in the final to see Henry Wilcockson take first, Mark Scullard second and Katharine O’Rourke third.
The Don Attenborough Memorial Relay was next up. Teams of four and a great warm up practice run for the Clive Roots Memorial Relay coming up on Thursday, November 13 at the Dubbo RSL. All swam within three seconds of each other, the winners a closely guarded secret to be revealed at our club presentation night next May.
This week we have been advised that Clive Roots’ son will be trav-
elling back to Dubbo for the event and will be presenting the trophy. His grandchildren will also be entering a team to compete, so it will be great to see you all there and his son presenting the trophy! Nomination forms available at the Dubbo RSL Indoor Pool reception or contact Henry Wilcockson (see below for details).
The third event was a 2x25m medley of Backstoke and Breast-
stroke, with Peter Allen breaking to see Mark Scullard take first, David Sparkes second, John Wherritt third and Nicole Johnstone fourth. At Go this week was a 25m Backstroke. A false start let first and second swim a practice race, Katharine O’Rourke taking first with (0.03), followed by Mark Scullard (0.06), John Wherritt (0.53), Norm Bahr (0.84) and Rob Rich (0.95). All swimmers within one second
of the handicapper’s estimation.
Lucky numbers draw taken out by Jack Allen (46) and Peter Allen (17). Thanks to Jack and Mark Prentice for their attendance poolside.
All Ducks past and present are excited to be receiving a visit from Harbord Diggers this coming Sunday so come along to welcome them. Lunch will follow in the Dubbo RSL bistro.
A call out also for those members intending to travel to Western Districts to be held in Cobar in February. Numbers needed to book accommodation! Please inform Henry Wilcockson.
For details about club swim times and contacting Henry Wilcockson, see our entry in the Dubbo Photo News Diary (under Sunday).
That’s this week’s tidings from the Duckpond.
By GRAHAM ROSS, PRESIDENT
WHILE the numbers were down a little for the RSL Combination Bowlers at the RSL Sporties Club on Sunday, October 19, a total of 36 keen players did turn-up to make a total of six teams in all. Win, lose, or draw, they all enjoyed their morning.
On that note, Chris Castlehouse continued her winning streak by teaming up with Shirley Marchant and Col Cottee, all playing well to take the mornings win with a 24-9 shot win from Sue McCauley, Alan Stratford, and Mick Strawhan.
The experienced team of Leo Balstad, Gaye Cottee, and Bryan O’Sullivan then played consistently to take second place with a convincing 18-9 shot win from the team of Mary Perry, Ruby Stockings, and Paul Goodstat.
Husband-and-wife team of Sue and Frank Armstrong, along with Peter Sinclair, claimed third place with a 17-8 shot win from Ken Whittaker, Steve Evans, and Mat Quill.
John Kennedy, Peter Bennison and Gordon Scott then won their game with a worthy 15-8 shot victory over Dick Whiteford, Steve Kelly, and Mel Giddings.
A very close call saw only one shot the difference between the teams of Julie Brown, Jenny Spratt, and Neil Hayburn getting-up with a 13-12 call over Ron McCauley, Chris Straojny, and Paul Wooldridge.
Gai Teale, John Zeb, and Graham Ross also won their game with a 17-11 shot win over Col Teale, Roger Sherwin, and Phil Knight.
Our resters were won this week by Mary Perry, Ken Whittaker, and Peter Sinclair, with Julie Brown, Mary Perry, and Sue McCauley bagging the lucky numbers.
Also, best wishes to a couple of members – Alan Stratford and Mandy Quill – who have been unwell of late.
As always, new and casual players are welcome to play. For info and contact details, check our listing under Sunday in the
in this issue.
By BRYSON LUFF
ALREADY bulging as the trophy cabinet of the Coolah Kangaroos Rugby League Club currently is, it welcomed a new addition on Saturday, October 11, when the club’s firstgrade side was awarded the highlyprestigious Clayton Cup by the NSW Rugby League.
The Clayton Cup dates back to 1937 and is awarded annually to the NSW country rugby league team with the best overall record for that season.
Prior to winning the Clayton Cup, the Kangaroos first grade team, which went through the 2025 Christie and Hood Castlereagh League season undefeated, had claimed every piece of silverware available to them, those being the Knockout Shield, the Boronia (Challenge) Cup, the Premiership Shield and the Castlereagh Cup.
Additionally, the club’s League Tag side also hold the Jessica Skinner Challenge Cup and the Castlereagh League Tag Premiership Shield after what has been a stellar year for the Kangaroos!
The club’s first grade side went through the competition undefeated, winning 15 games, scoring 540 points in the process, whilst conceding 194, their season cresting with a hard fought 24 to 18 grand final victory over the Coonabarabran Unicorns at Coolah’s Bowen Oval in late August in front of a huge audience.
The Kangaroos proudly point-
out that 14 of their grand final side had played their junior football with Coolah Junior Rugby League!
Coolah is the second Castlereagh League club to win the Clayton Cup, with the Gulgong Bull Terriers also lifting the time-honoured piece of silverware in 2023.
8th November 10am – 12pm
Looking to downsize or simply explore your options? Join us for our Open Home event and see what retirement living could look like for you. Tour the village, walk through our display villas and chat with our friendly team. Whether you’re ready to make a move or planning for the future, this is a great opportunity to experience the lifestyle, community, and peace of mind our village offers.
Boutique community of 74 villas
• Spacious 2 and 3 bedroom villas available
• Low-maintenance living
• Vibrant social scene and regular events
. Village Manager Jo Wodson